Power Bank Real Capacity (mAh to Wh), Charge Count & Airline 100Wh Calculator
Why does a 20,000mAh power bank only charge a 5,000mAh phone ~2.6 times instead of 4? Internal cells store energy at 3.7V before stepping up to 5V–20V USB-PD. Calculate exact usable watt-hours, device charges, and FAA/TSA carry-on legality below.
Eliminate wireless coil heat on your nightstand—charges phone, watch & earbuds simultaneously.
See our full hands-on roundup of TSA-legal fast-charging packs and Prime picks.
The Exact Formula Behind Power Bank mAh vs. Real Charges
Manufacturers print capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh) referenced to the internal lithium-ion cell\'s nominal 3.7V chemistry. To convert mAh to watt-hours (Wh)—the unit airlines and physics actually care about—multiply mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1,000. During discharge, internal DC-DC boost converters step 3.7V up to 5V, 9V, 15V, or 20V USB Power Delivery, losing roughly 15%–20% as conversion heat over a cable (or 35%–40% across wireless Qi/MagSafe coils). Read more in our Power Bank Sizing Guide and Charger & Power Bank Specs Explained.
