What is the capacity of 18650 battery?
🔋 What Does Battery Capacity Mean?
Capacity in battery industry means the amount of electrons that a battery can store and deliver. It’s typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) or ampere-hours (Ah). For 18650 batteries, the capacity ranges widely depending on the cell chemistry, manufacturer.
🔎 Typical Capacity Range of 18650 Batteries
The standard capacity of an 18650 battery generally falls between 1800mAh to 3500mAh, with 3500mAh being the upper limit for high-quality, commercially available cells.
| Type | Capacity Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low capacity | 600mAh–1800mAh | Common in older or low-cost cells |
| Mid capacity | 2000mAh–2900mAh | Balanced performance |
| High capacity | 3000mAh–3500mAh | Deliver high drain and high capacity, premium models like LG MJ1, Samsung 30Q, Samsung 35E or Sony VTC6 |
🧪 Factors Affecting 18650 Battery Capacity
1. Battery Chemistry
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ICR (LiCoO₂): High energy density but lower discharge rate.
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INR (LiNiMnCoO₂): Good balance between capacity and discharge current.
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IMR (LiMn₂O₄): Lower capacity but higher safety and discharge rates.
2. Manufacturer Quality
Reputable company like Samsung, LG, Panasonic, and Sony produce reliable, high-capacity 18650 cells. Be cautious of generic or counterfeit cells that often overstate capacity.
3. Discharge Rate
Batteries designed for high discharge (for example, vaping or power tools) may have lower capacity but can deliver more current (measured in A, or amperes).
⚠️ Beware of Fake Capacity Claims
Some no-name 18650 batteries claim over 4000mAh, even 5000mAh, which is technically impossible with current 18650 cell technology. Always verify with datasheets or trusted sources.
