Convert milliwatt-hours to milliamp-hours and vice versa using voltage. Great for estimating battery charge from energy ratings in electronics.
Last updated: October 2025
See how these calculations apply to devices you use every day:
| Battery Type | Nominal Voltage | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| AA/AAA Alkaline | 1.5V | Remote controls, toys, flashlights |
| AA/AAA NiMH Rechargeable | 1.2V | Cameras, gaming controllers |
| Lithium-ion (Li-ion) | 3.7V | Smartphones, tablets, laptops |
| Lithium-polymer (LiPo) | 3.7V | Drones, RC vehicles, wearables |
| USB Standard | 5V | Power banks, USB devices |
| Car/Automotive | 12V | Vehicles, portable fridges |
| Solar Systems (Small) | 24V | Off-grid solar, RV systems |
mAh = mWh ÷ Volts
mWh = mAh × Volts
Energy (mWh) = Charge (mAh) × Voltage (V)
Think of it like water flow:
A battery with higher voltage does more work with the same charge capacity. That's why you need voltage to convert between energy and charge.
Why manufacturers use different units:
No. Voltage is required because energy and charge are related through voltage. Without it, mAh cannot be determined accurately.
mWh ratings are often found in technical battery specifications for smaller devices like headphones, fitness trackers, and wearables.
Yes, as long as the voltage is correctly provided, the formula works for all lithium-ion or rechargeable battery types using standard SI units.
Multiply milliamp-hours by voltage. The second calculator on this page handles it for you automatically.
mAh is the battery cell capacity at its nominal voltage (usually 3.7V). When converted to USB output (5V), the actual deliverable capacity is lower. Always check the Wh rating for true energy capacity.
Nominal capacity is the rated capacity under ideal conditions. Actual capacity depends on discharge rate, temperature, and battery age. Real-world capacity is typically 85-95% of nominal.
Now that you've determined your battery capacity, it's time to see how much money you could save by going solar in your province.
Electricity rates vary dramatically across Canada—from Quebec's 7.8¢/kWh to Northwest Territories' 41¢/kWh. Your location directly impacts:
→ Check Canada's Electricity Rates by Province to calculate your potential savings and determine if solar makes financial sense in your area.
Solar Sweet Spot: Provinces with rates above 15¢/kWh typically see payback periods of 8-12 years, making solar an excellent investment.
Battery capacity is just one piece of the puzzle. Here's your full off-grid planning checklist:
Did You Know? In high-rate provinces like Alberta (25.8¢/kWh), Saskatchewan (19.9¢/kWh), or the territories (35-41¢/kWh), off-grid solar systems pay for themselves 40-60% faster than in low-rate provinces.
Looking for more ways to plan your off-grid system? Check out our additional calculators and resources: