Portable Power Station Calculator
Pick your appliances. We match listings by watt-hours, running watts, and surge.
Select Your Appliances
Custom Appliance
Calculation Breakdown
Target Capacity
= Total Wh ÷ 0.85
0 Wh
Continuous AC Output
= Sum of running watts
0 W
Peak / Surge AC Output
= Continuous + motor startup spikes
Assumes worst-case simultaneous startup spikes
0 W
Recommended Power Stations
Select appliances to see recommended power stations.
How to size a power station
Sizing a power station comes down to two numbers: total energy needed over time (Watt-hours) and peak power draw at any given moment (Watts). Here is how the math works.
1. Required Capacity
Total Wh ÷ 0.85
Uses 85% usable capacity to account for standard AC inverter conversion losses.
2. Continuous Output
Sum of Running Watts
The total continuous AC wattage needed to run all devices simultaneously.
3. Peak Surge Output
Continuous + Motor Spikes
Accounts for individual motor startup surges on top of continuous draw.
1. Calculate Total Appliance Energy
Multiply each device's running wattage by the number of hours you plan to use it (Watts × Hours = Wh). Add up all devices to get your baseline requirement.
2. Account for Inverter Efficiency Losses
No power station converts 100% of its stored battery energy into usable AC power. Converting DC to AC typically loses around 15% to heat and circuit overhead. Dividing your raw Wh by 0.85 matches the usable capacity factor used in our recommendations.
3. Match Continuous & Peak Power Requirements
Ensure the power station's continuous AC rating exceeds your total simultaneous running draw. For appliances with electric motors or compressors (mini fridges, power tools, pumps), our calculator factors in their starting surge requirements so your power station won't overload during startup spikes.
4. Match Capacity to Usage Patterns
Camping & Off-Grid: Prioritize weight, port selection, and high solar input wattage (with built-in MPPT) for faster recharge times.
Home Emergency Backup: Prioritize larger battery capacities (1,000 Wh+), high continuous inverter outputs, and expansion battery capabilities over portability.
Inverter Efficiency Loss:Converting stored battery power (DC) into wall outlet power (AC) generates heat and conversion losses. We divide total raw energy by 0.85 to reflect typical usable AC output capacity.
Startup Surge Spikes:Appliances with motors or compressors (like refrigerators and power tools) briefly pull extra power when turning on. Our calculator accounts for these individual startup spikes on top of your continuous load.