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Raspberry Pi Power Calculator

Calculate power supply and battery needs for any Raspberry Pi project

Total Draw

875 mA

Watts

4.38W

PSU

2A

%
0%100%
Board Draw
875 mA
Peripherals
0 mA
PSU Needed
5V / 2A
Battery Life
7.2h

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Example Calculations

1Pi 4B Desktop

Inputs

ModelPi 4B
PeripheralsKB + Mouse + SSD
Load50%

Result

PSU5V/3A

2Pi Zero Weather Station

Inputs

ModelPi Zero W
PeripheralsBME280
Battery5,000 mAh

Result

Runtime~39h

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much power does a Raspberry Pi use?

A Pi 4B uses 550-1200 mA (2.75-6W) depending on load. A Pi 5 draws 600-2500 mA. A Pi Zero W uses just 80-230 mA. Add peripheral draw for total power budget.

  • Pi 5: 600–2,500 mA (3–12.5W)
  • Pi 4B: 550–1,200 mA (2.75–6W)
  • Pi 3B+: 350–980 mA (1.75–4.9W)
  • Pi Zero 2 W: 100–350 mA (0.5–1.75W)
  • Pi Zero W: 80–230 mA (0.4–1.15W)
ModelIdle (mA)Max (mA)Recommended PSU
Pi 56002,5005V/5A
Pi 4B5501,2005V/3A
Pi 3B+3509805V/2.5A
Pi Zero 2W1003505V/1A
Q

What size power supply do I need?

Use the official recommendation: 5V/5A for Pi 5, 5V/3A for Pi 4B, and 5V/2.5A for Pi 3B+. Add current draw for all USB peripherals. A good rule is 1.2× total expected draw.

  • Pi 5: official 5V/5A USB-C supply
  • Pi 4B: 5V/3A USB-C supply minimum
  • Pi 3B/3B+: 5V/2.5A micro USB
  • Pi Zero: 5V/1A is usually sufficient
  • Always use 20% headroom above calculated draw
Q

How long will a battery power my Raspberry Pi?

A 10,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V with 85% efficiency gives about 7.4 Wh usable. A Pi 4B at idle (3W) runs about 2.5 hours. At full load (6W), about 1.2 hours. Pi Zero W at idle lasts over 15 hours.

  • 10,000 mAh × 3.7V × 0.85 = 31.4 Wh usable
  • Pi 4B idle: ~10 hours on 10,000 mAh
  • Pi 4B full load: ~5 hours
  • Pi Zero W idle: ~40+ hours
  • Add peripheral draw to reduce runtime
Q

Can I power a Raspberry Pi from solar?

Yes, a 20W solar panel with an MPPT charge controller and 12V battery can power a Pi 4B 24/7 in most climates. Size the battery for overnight use (at least 12-15 Wh for Pi 4B).

  • 20W panel: enough for Pi 4B in full sun
  • 10W panel: enough for Pi Zero W
  • Battery: size for 12+ hours overnight
  • Use MPPT charge controller for efficiency
  • Consider power-saving sleep modes

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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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