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PORTABLE POWER GUIDE

Sizing calculator

What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need?

Add the devices you actually run, and we'll show the watt-hour math — then the stations that clear it.

  • No email required
  • Manufacturer specs
  • Math shown, not hidden
1

Add Your Devices

Add the devices you plan to power.

DeviceWattsQuantityRun time
2

Usage Scenario (Optional)

Helps refine your recommendation.

3

System Efficiency

Power stations lose energy to inverter & battery losses.

85%

Your Estimated Power Needs

Total daily use

0 Wh

Days

2.5

Efficiency

85%

Estimated Total Capacity Needed

0 Wh

Recommended Battery Size

Best Fit

Includes 20–30% headroom for real-world use.

View Recommended Power Stations →

Wattage Tier Guide

TierCapacity (Wh)Best forExample use
Small 100 – 500 Wh Phones, lights, small devices Day trips, emergencies
Medium 500 – 1,500 Wh Camping, laptops, small appliances Weekend trips, van life
Large 1,500 – 3,000 Wh Mini fridges, power tools, CPAP Extended camping, RV
Extra Large 3,000+ Wh High-demand appliances, whole RV Off-grid living, long term

Pro Tips

  • Add 20–30% extra capacity for unexpected usage.
  • Fridges have high startup wattage — size accordingly.
  • Solar charging can extend your runtime significantly.
  • Check your device's label for accurate wattage.

How Sizing Works

  1. 1 Add your devices and their wattage.
  2. 2 Set how long you'll run each device daily.
  3. 3 We calculate total watt-hours needed.
  4. 4 Get the right battery size recommendation.
Learn more about sizing →

Common Appliance Runtimes (1,000 Wh)

  • Laptop (60W) ~12 – 16 hrs
  • Mini fridge (60W avg.) ~14 – 18 hrs
  • CPAP machine (40W) ~18 – 22 hrs
  • LED light (5W) ~80 – 100 hrs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate watt-hours?

Watt-hours = watts × hours. A 60 W laptop used 4 hours a day burns 240 Wh. Add every device's number together for your total daily use.

What's the difference between Wh and W?

Watts (W) measure instantaneous power draw; watt-hours (Wh) measure energy over time. A power station's capacity is in Wh; its inverter limit is in W. You need both to fit: enough Wh to last, enough W to run your biggest device.

How much extra capacity should I add?

Add 20–30% over your calculated need. It covers inverter losses, battery aging, cold-weather derating, and the loads you forgot to list.

Do power stations lose energy?

Yes — converting DC battery power to AC through the inverter typically loses 10–15%. That's why the calculator applies an efficiency factor instead of assuming the rated capacity is fully usable.