Portable power station runtime calculator
How long will your power station run it?
Estimate runtime for a fridge, CPAP, Starlink, router, laptop, RV, camping kit, or outage setup with visible assumptions instead of magic numbers.
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Output path
Estimated runtime
13h 3mThis setup has comfortable headroom for overnight use, assuming the wattage estimate is realistic.
Usable energy783 Wh
Average load60 W
Running watts60 W
Max surgen/a
Conservative8h 10m
Estimated13h 3m
Optimistic16h 13m
- 1024 Wh nominal battery capacity
- AC inverter output path
- 85% conversion efficiency
- 10% reserve kept unused
- 60 W average load from 1 load
- 100% battery health
- 0% temperature loss
- This is an estimate. Real runtime changes with load, temperature, battery age, AC/DC output, and device behavior.
Source-Backed Next Steps
Smallest matching recordJackery Explorer 600 v2Formula shownWh, watts, efficiency, reserve, duty cycle.
Source-aware dataModel specs stay verified, estimated, or unknown.
No email wallGet the answer immediately on mobile or desktop.
Why This Result
Runtime is not just battery size divided by device watts. AC inverter losses, duty cycle, battery health, reserve, and cold weather can all change the number.
Simple formula
Runtime hours = usable battery Wh / average device W.
Usable watt-hours
Usable Wh = nominal Wh x efficiency x reserve factor x battery health x temperature factor.
Scenario loads
Fridges cycle, CPAP humidifiers add heat load, and Starlink draw changes by kit and power path.
Results are estimates. Real runtime depends on load, temperature, battery condition, AC/DC output, surge behavior, and device settings.
Model Data Snapshot
Source-linked model records are included so runtime estimates can show capacity, output, charging limits, and data confidence. Price and affiliate ranking do not affect the calculator.
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2
1070 Wh, 1500 W AC output, confidence: verified.
EcoFlow DELTA 2
1024 Wh, 1800 W AC output, confidence: verified.
BLUETTI AC180
1152 Wh, 1800 W AC output, confidence: verified.
Planning Tools
Use the next layer of fit checks when runtime alone is not enough.
Tools hub
Open the full set of runtime, sizing, solar, surge, Starlink, CPAP, and converter tools.
Surge checker
Check whether a station can start compressors, pumps, tools, and other high-surge loads.
Model finder
Filter source-linked station records by capacity, output, solar input, weight, and confidence.
Starlink Mini calculator
Estimate runtime across USB-C PD, direct DC, power stations, power banks, and solar offset.
Battery capacity converter
Convert Wh, mAh, Ah, and volts before using a battery label in runtime math.
Scenario Pages
Use focused pages when the load does not behave like a simple constant watt draw.
Full-size refrigerator
Typical range: 300-800 W. Confidence: estimated.
Mini fridge
Typical range: 50-100 W. Confidence: estimated.
CPAP without heated humidifier
Typical range: 30-60 W. Confidence: estimated.
CPAP with heated humidifier
Typical range: 70-100 W. Confidence: estimated.
Starlink Standard
Typical range: 75-100 W. Confidence: estimated.
Starlink Mini
Typical range: 25-40 W. Confidence: estimated.
FAQ
Short answers for common runtime planning questions.
How do you calculate portable power station runtime?
Use usable watt-hours divided by average load watts. For AC loads, a practical first-pass formula is battery Wh x efficiency x reserve factor divided by device watts.
Why is real runtime lower than the label capacity?
Battery label capacity is nominal. Inverter losses, DC conversion losses, reserve settings, cold weather, battery age, and changing device loads all reduce real runtime.
What efficiency should I use for AC devices?
Use 80% to 90% for most AC inverter loads unless you have measured data. The default calculator value is 85%.
What efficiency should I use for DC devices?
DC loads can often do better than AC because the inverter stays off. Use 88% to 95% only when the voltage path is appropriate and the device is stable.
Can a power station run a refrigerator overnight?
Often yes, but the answer depends on battery Wh, fridge running watts, compressor duty cycle, room temperature, and startup surge. Always check surge capability.
Why does the fridge setting use a duty cycle?
Refrigerator compressors cycle on and off. The calculator uses duty cycle to convert running watts into a more realistic average load.
How many watt-hours does a CPAP need overnight?
A CPAP without heated humidification may use roughly 240 to 480 Wh over eight hours. Heated humidifiers and tubes can raise that substantially.
Can I use this for medical backup planning?
Use it only as a planning estimate. For medical devices, follow the manufacturer guidance and keep a tested backup plan.
How much power does Starlink use?
Starlink Standard and Mini use different power ranges. Check the current specs for your kit, then account for boot draw, snow melt, temperature, router load, and AC or DC conversion losses.
Should I reserve 20% battery?
A 10% to 20% reserve is a practical buffer for uncertainty, startup spikes, and avoiding a completely empty station during an outage.