How Long Will a 50Ah Battery Last?
A 50Ah battery is the entry point for portable power. Popular for camping, fishing trolling motors, and small emergency backup systems. At 12V, it provides 600Wh of total capacity, or about 480Wh of usable power with LiFePO4 chemistry.
Capacity
50Ah
Total Energy (12V)
600Wh
Usable (80% DoD)
480Wh
Typical Use
Small backup systems
Runtime Calculator
Runtime at 100W
4.1 hours
0.2 days if running continuously
Total Capacity
600Wh
Usable (80% DoD)
480Wh
Solar Charging
* Actual runtime varies based on temperature, battery age, and load consistency.
Runtime Examples at 50Ah
| Device | Power Draw | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| LED lights | 25W | 16 hours |
| Laptop | 50W | 8 hours |
| Small TV | 100W | 4 hours |
| Mini fridge | 200W | 2 hours |
| Power tools | 500W | 0.8 hours |
* Based on 12V LiFePO4 with 80% depth of discharge and 85% inverter efficiency.
- ✓Weekend camping
- ✓Emergency phone charging
- ✓Kayak fish finders
- ✓LED lighting backup
- ✗Full-time RV living
- ✗Running refrigerators
- ✗Off-grid cabins
- ✗High-power appliances
50Ah Battery Tips
- •Perfect size for a weekend camping trip with minimal power needs
- •Can run a CPAP without humidifier for 2 nights
- •Too small for refrigeration or high-draw appliances
- •Easy to carry at 15-20 lbs for LiFePO4 chemistry
- •Great as a backup for small essential loads only
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a 50Ah battery last?
At 50W continuous draw, about 8 hours. At 100W, about 4 hours. The formula is: (50Ah x 12V x 0.8) / watts = hours. The 0.8 accounts for 80% depth of discharge.
Is 50Ah enough for camping?
For minimal needs like phone charging, LED lights, and small devices - yes. Not enough for running a portable fridge 24/7 or high-draw devices.
How many solar panels to charge a 50Ah battery?
A 100W solar panel can fully charge a 50Ah battery in 6-8 hours of good sun. A 50W panel works but takes longer - about 10-12 hours.