Battery knowledge · Capacity, energy, power and ratings
C-rate
Current divided by nominal capacity, in reciprocal hours. 1C on a 20 Ah cell is 20 A; 2C is 40 A. C-rate lets you compare loads on cells of different sizes. [1]
- Unit
- h⁻¹
- Relationship
- C-rate = I / Q_nominal
Example
Convert a rating into amperes
For a 5 Ah cell, 0.5C means 2.5 A, 1C means 5 A and 2C means 10 A. Dividing 2.5 A by 5 Ah returns 0.5 h⁻¹, conventionally written 0.5C.
Explore the graph
A C-rate becomes an actual current only when capacity is known.
5 Ah × 1C = 5 A. Ideal duration: 1 h (60 min).
I = Q × C-rate; t_ideal = 1 / C-rate
Illustrative model. Voltage cutoff, losses, temperature and rate-dependent capacity are excluded.
Use in Lemonergy
Lemonergy Core equation
Convert C-rate into current
Lemonergy Core evaluates this relation.
Equation or tool to use
- current_from_c_rate
Core equation
Inputs & settings
- Capacity (Ah)
- C-rate (1/h)
This overview identifies the components to use. Follow the example in Lemonergy for their connections and settings.
- Open the lesson and inspect the equation.
- Change one input while holding the others fixed.
Example. A 5 Ah cell at 0.5C corresponds to 2.5 A. At 2C it corresponds to 10 A.
Observe. Compare the result with the equation and units.
Current magnitudes do not establish safe charge rates.
Open the worked lesson →References & further reading
Technical references
- DOE Energy Storage Handbook, Chapter 16: Energy Storage Performance Testing
Sandia National Laboratories
Technical reference · Section 2.1.2.1 explains capacity, C-rate and the distinction between capacity and energy; also covers pulse characterization.
Further reading on this topic
These sources provide broader context; they are not presented as citations for every statement in this entry.
- The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures · 2026
Topic background · Definitions of SI units and coherent derived units; 2026 revision.
- Battery Test Manual For Electric Vehicles, Revision 3
Jon P. Christopherson · Idaho National Laboratory · 2015
Topic background · Performance characterization, pulse resistance/power, life testing and reference performance tests; historical 2015 edition.