Convert mAh to Watt Hours – Battery Energy Conversion Guide

mAh to Watt Hours Calculator

18.50 Wh
Watt Hours of energy
Formula: Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000
mAh3.7V (Wh)5V (Wh)11.1V (Wh)
2,0007.4010.0022.20
5,00018.5025.0055.50
10,00037.0050.00111.00
20,00074.00100.00222.00
27,00099.90135.00299.70

mAh to Watt Hours Formula Explained

Voltage-Based Energy Conversion

The formula Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000 converts milliamp hours to watt hours. The ÷1000 converts mAh to Ah. A 5000mAh battery at 3.7V stores 18.5Wh of energy.

Energy Density Calculations

Energy density is measured in Wh/kg or Wh/L. Converting mAh to Wh allows you to calculate and compare energy density across different battery form factors and chemistries.

Scientific Unit Conversion Accuracy

For maximum accuracy, use the exact nominal voltage from the battery datasheet. Different chemistries have different voltages: LiFePO4 = 3.2V, Li-ion = 3.7V, Li-polymer = 3.8V.

Why Watt Hours Are Used for Safety Regulations

FAA & Airline Battery Limits

The FAA specifies battery limits in Wh, not mAh: under 100Wh for carry-on (no restriction), 100-160Wh (airline approval required, max 2 spare batteries). Use this calculator to verify. For Wh to mAh conversion, see Wh to mAh converter.

Laptop and Drone Battery Ratings

Laptop batteries are often rated in mAh with multiple cells. A 6-cell laptop battery with 4400mAh cells at 11.1V = 48.84Wh. Drone batteries (e.g., DJI Mavic 3: 5000mAh @ 15.4V = 77Wh) must comply with airline regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

At 3.7V (standard lithium): 5000mAh = 18.5Wh. The formula is Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000.
No. mAh measures charge capacity and Wh measures energy. You need to multiply mAh by voltage and divide by 1000 to get Wh.
Yes. A 20,000mAh power bank at 3.7V = 74Wh, well under the 100Wh airline limit for carry-on batteries.
Built by Mohamed Skhiri · Last updated March 2026