Power station runtime calculator Know how long it runs before you buy.
Pick what you need to power. Enough Watts shows which power stations are enough, for how long, with the math.
- Figures from each maker's own specification pages, with the date we checked them.
- The math on every result: watts, watt hours and hours, worked out in front of you.
How the math works
The same three steps on every page. The methodology states each formula exactly.
- Can it start and run everything at once?
running watts of everything on ≤ continuous outputstarting watts needed ≤ surge rating - How much energy does your day use?
watts × hours of use × duty cycle = watt hours a day - How long does the battery last?
capacity × 85% = usable watt hoursusable ÷ watt hours a day × 24 = hours of your routine
What each result means
Every power station lands in one of three groups, and each result shows the numbers that put it there.
- Enough
It starts and runs everything you picked, and the battery lasts at least as long as your goal.
- Runs it, but not long enough
It powers your setup, but the battery runs out before your goal. The result shows how many hours you get.
- Cannot power it
Your setup needs more running watts, a bigger starting surge or 240 V. The result names the number that fails.
The power stations we check
54 portable power stations sold in the US, from 128 Wh to 12,288 Wh. Each has a page with what it runs, for how long, and the sources behind every number.
Common setups, worked out
- Outage essentials
369 W running, 2,180 Wh a day. 17 of 54 power stations are enough for 24 hours, with the math.
- A refrigerator overnight
275 W running, 1,300 Wh a day. 47 of 54 power stations are enough for 8 hours, with the math.
- A CPAP for two nights
11 W running, 88 Wh a day. 53 of 54 power stations are enough for 48 hours, with the math.
- A home oxygen concentrator
290 W running, 6,960 Wh a day. 17 of 54 power stations are enough for 8 hours, with the math.
- Sump pump backup
650 W running, 1,300 Wh a day. 30 of 54 power stations are enough for 24 hours, with the math.
- A home office day
139 W running, 1,436 Wh a day. 28 of 54 power stations are enough for 24 hours, with the math.
- A camping weekend
113 W running, 500 Wh a day. 32 of 54 power stations are enough for 48 hours, with the math.
- Van life
301 W running, 1,199 Wh a day. 31 of 54 power stations are enough for 24 hours, with the math.
- A tailgate
387 W running, 1,468 Wh a day. 28 of 54 power stations are enough for 24 hours, with the math.
- Job site tools
2,126 W running, 2,252 Wh a day. 17 of 54 power stations are enough for 24 hours, with the math.
- An RV air conditioner
1,714 W running, 13,712 Wh a day. 0 of 54 power stations are enough for 24 hours, with the math.
- A space heater
1,500 W running, 12,000 Wh a day. 0 of 54 power stations are enough for 24 hours, with the math.
Where the numbers come from
- Capacity, output, surge and recharge figures come from each maker's product pages and manuals.
- Appliance watts are typical values from appliance makers, government lists of certified models and generator makers' wattage charts. The label on your own appliance wins: enter it for an exact answer.
- We do not test products. Where a maker publishes no figure, the page says not published.