for your projects
Power tool batteries:
Volts, Ah and compatibility
explained simply
A practical guide to understanding voltage, amp-hours, runtime, compatibility, chargers and how to choose the right battery for your needs, from DIY to professional use.
for your projects
Power tool batteries:
Volts, Ah and compatibility
explained simply
A practical guide to understanding voltage, amp-hours, runtime, compatibility, chargers and how to choose the right battery for your needs, from DIY to professional use.
Understand a battery in 3 key concepts
Volts, amp-hours and watt-hours are the 3 key parameters for choosing the right battery. Here’s what they really mean and how they relate to each other.
Volt (V) = power / platform
Voltage indicates the battery’s electrical potential and defines the tool platform. It must be compatible with the power tool.
Amp-hours (Ah) = runtime
Ah indicates how much energy the battery can deliver over time. More Ah means longer working runtime.
Watt-hours (Wh) = total energy
Wh represents the battery’s total energy and is calculated by multiplying Volts × Ah. Example: 18V × 5Ah = 90Wh.
Understand a battery in 3 key concepts
Volts, amp-hours and watt-hours are the 3 key parameters for choosing the right battery. Here’s what they really mean and how they relate to each other.
Volt (V) = power / platform
Voltage indicates the battery’s electrical potential and defines the tool platform. It must be compatible with the power tool.
Amp-hours (Ah) = runtime
Ah indicates how much energy the battery can deliver over time. More Ah means longer working runtime.
Watt-hours (Wh) = total energy
Wh represents the battery’s total energy and is calculated by multiplying Volts × Ah. Example: 18V × 5Ah = 90Wh.
What changes with Volts and Ah?
Voltage and capacity directly affect power-tool performance and runtime.
More Volts = more power
In general, a higher-voltage platform can support more demanding applications, such as drilling hard materials or extended use.
More Ah = longer runtime
Higher capacity lets you work longer on a single charge, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
What changes with Volts and Ah?
Voltage and capacity directly affect power-tool performance and runtime.
More Volts = more power
In general, a higher-voltage platform can support more demanding applications, such as drilling hard materials or extended use.
More Ah = longer runtime
Higher capacity lets you work longer on a single charge, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Practical comparison examples
Same tool, different performance depending on the battery.
- 36 Wh of energy
- Limited runtime
- Ideal for light, occasional jobs
- 90 Wh of energy
- Much longer runtime
- Perfect for frequent, versatile use
- 486 Wh of energy
- Maximum runtime and available power
- Ideal for demanding jobs and professional use
Practical comparison examples
Same tool, different performance depending on the battery.
- 36 Wh of energy
- Limited runtime
- Ideal for light, occasional jobs
- 90 Wh of energy
- Much longer runtime
- Perfect for frequent, versatile use
- 486 Wh of energy
- Maximum runtime and available power
- Ideal for demanding jobs and professional use
How to choose the right battery
Every need is different: here are our recommendations based on how you use your tools.
Small household jobs
- Occasional jobs
- Limited runtime
- Compact batteries, for example 2.0–3.0Ah
- Light weight and convenience
Frequent and versatile use
- Regular work around the home and garden
- Good balance between power and runtime
- 4.0–5.0Ah batteries
- Suitable for most tools
How to choose the right battery
Every need is different: here are our recommendations based on how you use your tools.
Small household jobs
- Occasional jobs
- Limited runtime
- Compact batteries, for example 2.0–3.0Ah
- Light weight and convenience
Frequent and versatile use
- Regular work around the home and garden
- Good balance between power and runtime
- 4.0–5.0Ah batteries
- Suitable for most tools
When you need more runtime and performance
Demanding jobs and intensive use require more energy, runtime and continuity.
Demanding work / jobsite
- Intensive and extended use
- Demanding materials such as concrete and steel
- Choose higher-capacity batteries
- A ready second battery reduces downtime
Workshop / intensive use
- Daily and professional use
- Maximum performance and reliability
- If you work at a fixed station, also consider corded power
- If you choose cordless, favour high capacity and keep spare batteries ready
When you need more runtime and performance
Demanding jobs and intensive use require more energy, runtime and continuity.
Demanding work / jobsite
- Intensive and extended use
- Demanding materials such as concrete and steel
- Choose higher-capacity batteries
- A ready second battery reduces downtime
Workshop / intensive use
- Daily and professional use
- Maximum performance and reliability
- If you work at a fixed station, also consider corded power
- If you choose cordless, favour high capacity and keep spare batteries ready
Chargers: standard, fast or dual
Choose the charger that best suits your working needs.
Standard
- Full charge usually in 1–3 hours
- Ideal for home or occasional use
- More affordable
Fast
- Charges in around 30–60 minutes
- Perfect for frequent and professional use
- Reduces downtime
Dual
- Charges two batteries at the same time
- Ideal for jobsites and intensive use
- Maximum productivity
Chargers: standard, fast or dual
Choose the charger that best suits your working needs.
Standard
- Full charge usually in 1–3 hours
- Ideal for home or occasional use
- More affordable
Fast
- Charges in around 30–60 minutes
- Perfect for frequent and professional use
- Reduces downtime
Dual
- Charges two batteries at the same time
- Ideal for jobsites and intensive use
- Maximum productivity
How to make batteries last longer
A few simple precautions can make a big difference over time.
Avoid extreme heat
Do not expose batteries to very high temperatures or leave them in the sun for long periods.
Use the right charger
Always use compatible chargers suitable for your battery platform.
Do not leave them discharged for long periods
If you won’t use the battery for a long time, avoid storing it completely discharged.
How to make batteries last longer
A few simple precautions can make a big difference over time.
Avoid extreme heat
Do not expose batteries to very high temperatures or leave them in the sun for long periods.
Use the right charger
Always use compatible chargers suitable for your battery platform.
Do not leave them discharged for long periods
If you won’t use the battery for a long time, avoid storing it completely discharged.
Storage and maintenance
Small precautions help preserve performance and service life over time.
Keep contacts clean
Keep dust, dirt and debris away from battery and tool terminals.
Store them in a dry place
Protect them from humidity, rain and the elements when not in use.
Rotate batteries
If you use more than one, rotate them regularly to distribute wear and charging cycles.
Storage and maintenance
Small precautions help preserve performance and service life over time.
Keep contacts clean
Keep dust, dirt and debris away from battery and tool terminals.
Store them in a dry place
Protect them from humidity, rain and the elements when not in use.
Rotate batteries
If you use more than one, rotate them regularly to distribute wear and charging cycles.
Need help choosing the right battery?
Explore batteries and chargers or contact our team. We’re here to help you choose the solution that best suits your tools and the way you work.
Need help choosing the right battery?
Explore batteries and chargers or contact our team. We’re here to help you choose the solution that best suits your tools and the way you work.
