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RC Battery Runtime Calculator

Estimate how long a battery lasts at a given average current, with a usable-capacity reserve.

Battery & Load

You set this — e.g. 0.8 keeps a 20% reserve for LiPo health.

Result

Estimated runtime
9.6min
at 0.80 usable capacity
Ideal runtime
12.0min

Estimated = ideal × your usable fraction. Not a universal reserve recommendation.

Formula

  1. 1.Ideal Runtime (min) = Capacity (mAh) / (1000 × Current (A)) × 60
  2. 2.Estimated Runtime = Ideal × Usable Capacity Fraction

Worked example

  1. 1.Inputs: 5000 mAh, 25 A average, 0.8 usable.
  2. 2.Ideal = 5000 / (1000 × 25) × 60 = 12 min; estimated = 9.6 min.

Assumptions and limits

  • Driving style, temperature and pack age change real runtime.
  • Calibrate the average current from logged runs.

Related tools

Guides and concepts

FAQ

What usable fraction should I pick?

A 0.8 reserve is a common LiPo practice, but verify against your pack manufacturer guidance — the tool accepts whatever you set.

Assumptions

  • Constant average current.
  • The usable fraction is user-chosen or explicitly stated — not claimed to suit every battery.