RC Flight Time Calculator
Flight Time Estimator
Estimate flight time from battery and current draw
Battery Size Selector
Find the right battery for target flight time
Formula
Flight Time (min) = (mAh × Discharge% / 1000) / Amps × 60 | Power (W) = Voltage × Current | Energy (Wh) = (mAh / 1000) × Voltage
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate RC flight time?
Flight time (minutes) = (Battery mAh × Discharge % / 1000) / Average Amps × 60. For example, a 2200 mAh battery at 80% discharge with 15A average draw: (2200 × 0.8 / 1000) / 15 × 60 = 7 minutes. Real-world times are typically 70-80% of calculated.
What is a safe LiPo discharge level?
Never discharge a LiPo battery below 3.5V per cell (80% discharge). For maximum battery longevity, land at 3.7V per cell (roughly 60-70% discharge). Discharging below 3.0V per cell can permanently damage the battery and create a fire hazard.
How does battery weight affect flight time?
Adding a larger battery increases capacity but also weight, which increases current draw. There is a diminishing return point where adding battery weight reduces flight time. The optimal battery weight is typically 30-40% of the all-up weight for multirotors.