An inverter transforms DC power stored in batteries into AC power to supply electricity to your house. However, knowing how long it can sustain during blackouts helps in effective planning to maintain an uninterrupted power supply for critical devices. In this blog, we will learn how to calculate inverter battery backup time and apply it to specific battery capacities.
What is Normal Battery Backup Time?
The amount of time within which the battery may supply power to a system or device while the main source of electricity is unavailable is referred to as battery backup time. It is the duration of time that the inverter can supply power to appliances utilizing the battery’s stored energy. A normal inverter battery should typically provide 3-4 hours of backup time. If you reside in a location with longer or more regular power outages, target a backup time of 6-8 hours. However, precise backup times can be determined using a formula or an inverter battery backup time calculator because it varies depending on your battery capacity and load.
How to Calculate Inverter Battery Backup Time
Since power outages have become more regular and unpredictable, having an inverter is essential. Moreover, precisely estimating the duration of your inverter’s battery backup is critical for effective management during these disruptions. There are several ways to calculate your inverter’s battery backup time. Here are two popular approaches with step-by-step instructions listed below:
Method 1: Using the Capacity and Load of the Battery
The first way for calculating the inverter battery backup period is to take into account the battery capacity and the load. The battery capacity is the total quantity of electrical energy that the battery can retain, while the load is the quantity of electricity that the electronics or machines utilize.
Step 1: Calculate the Battery Capacity in Ampere-Hours
Read the battery packaging or instructions for the capacity in Ah. For example, if the battery is labeled as 12V 100Ah, the capacity of the battery is 100Ah.
Step 2: Calculate the Load Wattage in W
To calculate the load wattage in W, add the wattages of all of the gadgets linked to the inverter. For example, assuming you have a laptop that uses 150W and a screen that uses 50W, the load wattage is 200W.
Step 3: Estimate the Backup Time
To determine the backup time, apply the following formula:
Backup Time (in hours) = Battery Capacity (in Ah) ×— Battery Voltage (in V) ×— Battery Efficiency (in %) ×· Connected Load (in W/h)
For example, assuming that you have a 1500VA inverter equipped with a 12V 100Ah battery and your total load wattage is 800W, the backup duration can be estimated as follows:
Backup time = (battery capacity ×· power requirement of load) ×— 0.7
Backup time = (12V ×— 100Ah ×· 800W) ×— 0.7
So, the backup time will be 1.05 hours or 63 minutes.
Note: It needs to be highlighted that the 0.7 power factor is applied to take into consideration battery effectiveness as well as additional losses.
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Method 2: Using the Discharge Rate of a Battery
The second way for determining inverter battery backup time is to use the battery discharge rate, which is the rate within which the battery discharges amid a power loss.
Follow these steps for determining backup time using the following procedure:
Step 1: Calculate your Battery’s Discharge Rate
This data is typically located on the battery’s label itself or inside the product guide.
Step 2: Calculate the Battery’s Capacity
The capacity in Ah can be found on the battery package or in the instructions. As an example, a battery identified as 12V 100Ah has an output of 100Ah.
Step 3: Determine the Time
Here we will find out the time by dividing the capacity of the battery by its current discharge rate:
For example, if your battery’s discharge rate is 10A and its capacity is 100Ah, the backup duration is estimated as follows:
Backup time = battery capacity ×· discharge rate
Backup time = 100Ah ×· 10A
The backup time is 10 hours.
Calculating inverter battery backup time is essential for maintaining uninterrupted electricity during emergencies. However, it’s important to remember that factors like battery age, temperature, and load type can all affect backup time. Moreover, regular testing of your inverter is recommended for improved performance. To increase the backup period of your battery, you can do these things:
1. Choose an inverter battery that meets your requirements because a larger-capacity battery will provide you with a longer backup period.
2. Regular maintenance can improve the performance of your inverter battery like refilling it and keeping the battery neat and dry as needed.
3. The more gadgets that are linked to your inverter battery, the shorter the backup duration, thereby restricting your total number of devices linked to your battery.
4. Utilize energy-efficient gadgets to help lengthen the backup time of your inverter battery by minimizing power use.
5. If power outages are common and prolonged in your location, consider installing a solar panel that can recharge your battery throughout the day and extend backup time.
By following these measures, you may increase the backup time of your inverter battery and provide continuous electricity during crises.
Also See: How to Calculate Battery Capacity for Solar System
How do You Calculate 150 Ah Battery Backup Time?

To determine the backup duration of a 150Ah battery, use the formula:
Backup Time (in hours) = Battery Capacity (in Ah) ×— Battery Voltage (in V) ×· Connected Load (in W/h)
As an example, assuming the battery is 12V while the load is 500W, then the battery backup time is as follows:
Backup time (in hours) = (150Ah ×— 12V) ×· 500W
Using the 150 Ah battery backup time calculators, this equates to around 3.6 hours of backup time.
This equates to around 3.6 hours of backup time, which indicates that the battery can power the 500-watt load for roughly 3.6 hours before being fully discharged.
Note: The actual backup time can vary depending on several factors, including battery age and longevity, temperature, and energy draw efficiency.
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How do You Calculate 200Ah Battery Backup Time?
After calculating 150 Ah batteries backup time now let us estimate the backup time for 200 Ah. Calculating inverter battery backup time, following the same formula, you can estimate the battery backup duration for a 200Ah battery:
Backup Time (in hours) = Battery Capacity (in Ah) ×— Battery Voltage (in V) ×· Connected Load (in W/h)
Backup time (in hours) = (200Ah ×— 12V) ×· 500W
This works out to be approximately 4.8 hours of 200 Ah battery backup time.
This equates to around 4.8 hours of backup time, which implies the battery can power a 500-watt load for roughly 4.8 hours before being fully discharged.
Note: The battery’s capacity is often defined in terms of the battery’s capacity to provide a certain amount of electric current for several hours until it is completely drained. Therefore, if your load exceeds the estimated battery’s hour rate won’t be able to stay for that long, resulting in a reduced backup time.
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What is the Battery Backup Time Calculation Table for Inverter?

You have read the entire article that provides you with a specific formula to determine the inverter battery backup time more precisely according to your specific needs. However, to quickly calculate the battery backup duration for your inverter, you can consider the inverter battery backup time calculator table that describes different capacities such as 80, 100, and 150 Ah battery backup time calculator with different watt loads to help you estimate the life of your battery.
Battery Capacity Vs Power Load | 100 WATT | 200 WATT | 300 WATT | 400 WATT | 500 WATT | 600 WATT | 700 WATT |
80 Ah | 7.68 Hours | 4.08 Hours | 2.72 Hours | 2.04 Hours | 1.64 Hours | 1.36 Hours | 1.16 Hours |
100 Ah | 9.6 Hours | 4.8 Hours | 3.2 Hours | 2.4 Hours | 1.92 Hours | 1.6 Hours | 1.37 Hours |
120 Ah | 11.52 Hours | 5.76 Hours | 3.84 Hours | 2.88 Hours | 2.3 Hours | 1.92 Hours | 1.65 Hours |
135 Ah | 12.96 Hours | 6.48 Hours | 4.32 Hours | 3.24 Hours | 2.6 Hours | 2.16 Hours | 1.85 Hours |
150 Ah | 14.4 Hours | 7.2 Hours | 4.8 Hours | 3.6 Hours | 2.88 Hours | 2.4 Hours | 2.05 Hours |
180 Ah | 17.28 Hours | 8.64 Hours | 5.76 Hours | 4.32 Hours | 3.46 Hours | 2.88 Hours | 2.46 Hours |
200 Ah | 19.2 Hours | 9.6 Hours | 6.4 Hours | 4.8 Hours | 3.84 Hours | 3.2 Hours | 2.74 Hours |
220 Ah | 21.2 Hours | 10.56 Hours | 7.04 Hours | 5.28 Hours | 4.23 Hours | 3.52 Hours | 3.01 Hours |
240 Ah | 23.4 Hours | 11.52 Hours | 7.68 Hours | 5.76 Hours | 4.6 Hours | 3.84 Hours | 3.3 Hours |
Note: these figures are based on a 12V voltage and an efficiency of 80%. For power requirements exceeding 700 Watts per hour, it may be necessary to opt for a dual or triple battery arrangement.
In the table above, Ah stands for Ampere-Hours, which is a measure of battery capacity, and the Watt column represents the power consumed by your devices. When the wattage demand increases, the battery backup duration reduces. Nevertheless, the lifespan of your backup battery is influenced by a variety of aspects, such as the battery’s energy capacity, condition, and the load it must support. While there’s no universal answer, the table above is a useful tool for planning for power disruptions.
Now being informed how to calculate inverter battery backup time with a calculator helps you to control your power needs in an emergency. You can improve the reliability of your power solution by considering factors such as electrical consumption, load conditions, and capacity. For more engaging and interesting content, check out our blogs.
Source: DETERMINING THE BATTERY LIFE AND BATTERY CAPACITY OF A LEAD-ACID HOME INVERTER BATTERY