1Pi 4B Desktop
Inputs
ModelPi 4B
PeripheralsKB + Mouse + SSD
Load50%
Result
PSU5V/3A
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Raspberry Pi Power Calculator
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
What You'll Need
Raspberry Pi 15W USB-C Power Supply US - Black
$16.00
View on Amazon
RasTech for Raspberry Pi 5 GaN PD 27W Power Supply 5.1V 5A USB-C Pi 5 Power Adapter for Raspberry Pi 5 16GB/8GB/4GB/2GB
$12.99
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CanaKit 45W USB-C Power Supply with PD for Raspberry Pi 5 (27W @ 5A)
$15.77
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Price as of Jul 24, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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Example Calculations
2Pi Zero Weather Station
Inputs
ModelPi Zero W
PeripheralsBME280
Battery5,000 mAh
Result
Runtime~39h
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow 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)
| Model | Idle (mA) | Max (mA) | Recommended PSU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi 5 | 600 | 2,500 | 5V/5A |
| Pi 4B | 550 | 1,200 | 5V/3A |
| Pi 3B+ | 350 | 980 | 5V/2.5A |
| Pi Zero 2W | 100 | 350 | 5V/1A |
QWhat 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
QHow 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
QCan 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 24, 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.