05 December 2025
Whenever someone asks me, “How long will my inverter battery last?” I smile—because this is one of the most common and important questions in the entire power backup industry. Whether you're using an inverter for your home, running a small shop, operating a clinic, or managing a business where downtime means losses, understanding battery backup time calculation is essential.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the simplest way to calculate battery backup time, explain why backup differs from system to system, and share a complete battery backup time calculation table that you can refer to anytime. I’ll also include insights from my years of experience working with manufacturers, installers, and brands that operate as an online ups manufacturer, online ups supplier, and online ups trader.
Let’s dive in and simplify this once and for all.
I’ve met customers who bought big inverters but ended up disappointed simply because they didn’t estimate their backup needs correctly. Backup time helps you:
Choose the right battery size
Know what appliances you can run
Avoid overloading
Understand when to upgrade
Plan for power cuts or off-grid systems
Whether you’re a business owner or a homeowner, battery backup is your safety net. The better you understand it, the better your power system performs.
Before I show you the complete table, let’s understand the formula.
Backup Time (in hours) =
(Battery Voltage × Battery Ah × Battery Efficiency) ÷ Load in Watts
Most batteries have around 80% efficiency, though tubular and lithium batteries may deliver higher real-world performance.
Here’s a quick example:
A 12V 150Ah battery running a 300W load:
Backup = (12 × 150 × 0.8) ÷ 300
Backup = 1440 ÷ 300
Backup = 4.8 hours
This is the simplest form—and the one I personally use during consultations.
This is where customers often get confused. Two people may have the same battery but different backup times. Why?
Older batteries give less backup because plate capacity reduces over time.
Tubular batteries offer longer backup.
SMF batteries offer shorter backup.
Lithium batteries deliver the best backup duration.
The more appliances you run, the more backup drops.
A good inverter from a reputed online ups manufacturer ensures better real-world results.
Some batteries should not be discharged below 60–70%.
These factors may sound technical, but trust me—understanding them improves your system life by years.
Below is the cleanest, most user-friendly table showing different backups for different loads and battery sizes. I’ve prepared this after years of actual field experience.
| Load (Watts) | Backup Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| 50W | 19.2 hrs |
| 100W | 9.6 hrs |
| 150W | 6.4 hrs |
| 200W | 4.8 hrs |
| 300W | 3.2 hrs |
| Load (Watts) | Backup Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| 100W | 14.4 hrs |
| 200W | 7.2 hrs |
| 300W | 4.8 hrs |
| 400W | 3.6 hrs |
| 500W | 2.8 hrs |
| Load (Watts) | Backup Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| 100W | 19.2 hrs |
| 200W | 9.6 hrs |
| 300W | 6.4 hrs |
| 400W | 4.8 hrs |
| 500W | 3.8 hrs |
| 600W | 3.2 hrs |
| Load (Watts) | Backup Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| 200W | 14.4 hrs |
| 400W | 7.2 hrs |
| 600W | 4.8 hrs |
| 800W | 3.6 hrs |
| 1000W | 2.8 hrs |
| Load (Watts) | Backup Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| 300W | 12.8 hrs |
| 500W | 7.68 hrs |
| 800W | 4.8 hrs |
| 1000W | 3.84 hrs |
| 1200W | 3.2 hrs |
48V systems are common in larger inverters like 5kVA, 7.5kVA, or 10kVA models. They offer more efficient power delivery.
| Load (Watts) | Backup Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| 500W | 11.5 hrs |
| 1000W | 5.76 hrs |
| 1500W | 3.84 hrs |
| 2000W | 2.88 hrs |
| 2500W | 2.3 hrs |
| Load (Watts) | Backup Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| 500W | 15.3 hrs |
| 1000W | 7.68 hrs |
| 1500W | 5.12 hrs |
| 2000W | 3.84 hrs |
| 3000W | 2.56 hrs |
Let me share how I guide my own customers:
List your appliances and wattage:
Fans: 60–80W
LED lights: 9–12W
TV: 80–150W
Refrigerator: 150–300W
AC: 900–1800W (not recommended on a small inverter)
Most homes use:
12V 150Ah
12V 200Ah
24V 150Ah
Large homes and businesses use:
48V 150Ah
48V 200Ah
Once you know your load, just refer to the right table for expected backup.
It truly simplifies the decision-making process.
A 12V 150Ah or 12V 200Ah battery gives comfortable backup for fans, lights, and a TV.
A 24V 150Ah setup handles billing machines, computers, fans, and lights well.
A 48V system is ideal because it handles computers efficiently.
Use tubular batteries from a reputed online ups manufacturer for longer life.
Many customers ask me:
“My neighbor gets 5 hours, why do I get only 3 hours?”
Here are the common reasons:
Different appliance usage
Lower battery health
Lower charging voltage
Higher surrounding temperature
More appliances running at the same time
Inverter efficiency differences
A high-quality inverter from a reliable online ups supplier or online ups trader always delivers better backup.
From hands-on field experience, here are practical and effective tips:
Do not overload the inverter
Use energy-efficient appliances
Keep battery terminals clean
Allow full charging cycles
Avoid frequent deep discharge
Keep batteries in cool, ventilated areas
A well-maintained battery can last 5–7 years, especially tubular batteries.
If you pair your battery with solar panels, you gain:
Extended backup
Faster charging
Lower grid electricity usage
Long-term cost savings
Solar inverters from certified online ups manufacturers deliver the best overall efficiency.
Understanding battery backup time is not just about numbers—it’s about making smarter decisions for your home or business. With the calculation method and detailed backup tables I’ve shared, you now have a clear, practical way to plan your load, choose the right battery, and avoid power shortages.
If you're planning to grow your business, supply batteries, or distribute inverter solutions, this is the right time to step into the growing power backup industry.