WeekendCalc

How Long Will a 2,500Wh Power Station Last?

A 2,500 Wh power station has about 2,125 Wh of usable energy. That runs a refrigerator for roughly 35.4 h, a laptop for 35.4 h and a CPAP for 53.1 h. Enter your own device below.

Your project

Wh
%

About 85% for power stations (inverter losses), about 50% for lead-acid batteries, and 80 to 90% for lithium (LiFePO4) batteries.

W

The watts of the device. Check its label, or use a plug-in watt meter.

Results

Runtime
21.3 hours
21 h 15 min
In days
0.89 days
Usable energy
2,125 Wh
Total capacity
2,500 Wh
  • Runtime = usable watt-hours ÷ watts. Devices that cycle (refrigerators, pumps, heaters with thermostats) use less than their label rating on average, so real runtime is longer. Cold weather reduces battery capacity.

Runtime of a 2,500 Wh power station, by device

At 85% usable capacity (2,125 Wh), without recharging. Real runtime depends on the actual draw of your device, which you can measure with a plug-in watt meter.

DeviceTypical wattsRuntime
LED light bulb9 W236 h
Phone charger15 W142 h
Wi-Fi router and modem15 W142 h
CPAP machine40 W53.1 h
Mini fridge (average)30 W70.8 h
Full-size refrigerator (average)60 W35.4 h
Laptop60 W35.4 h
Box fan50 W42.5 h
LED TV100 W21.3 h
Desktop computer200 W10.6 h
Microwave1,000 W2.1 h
Coffee maker1,000 W2.1 h
Space heater1,500 W1.4 h

Is 2,500 Wh enough?

This is a large unit that can run a refrigerator and essentials for a day or more, with care. Heating and cooking appliances still drain it fast. For a full plan, see the power station sizing guide, and the size calculator to work out your own daily energy.

Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Battery & Power Station Runtime Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.

Tools & materials for this project

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change what you pay.

Plug-in watt meterPortable power station (1,000 Wh)Deep cycle battery (100 Ah)InverterFoldable solar panel

Frequently asked questions

How long will a 2,500Wh power station run a refrigerator?

A full-size fridge averages about 60 W over a day, so 2,500 Wh (2,125 Wh usable) runs it for roughly 35.4 h. Older or larger fridges use more, so the time can be shorter.

How many times will a 2,500Wh power station charge a phone?

About 142 full charges, at about 15 Wh of battery per phone, before losses in charging.

How long will a 2,500Wh power station run a CPAP?

About 53.1 h at 40 W, which is 6.6 nights of 8 hours. Using the humidifier raises the draw.

Related sizes and guides

1,500 Wh power stationRuns a 100 W load for 12.8 h2,000 Wh power stationRuns a 100 W load for 17.0 h3,000 Wh power stationRuns a 100 W load for 25.5 hPower station sizing guideGuideGenerator Size CalculatorThe gas alternative

Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.