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LiPo Voltage Calculator by Cell Count

Nominal, maximum, storage and minimum voltage of your LiPo by cell count, and what state it's in based on the voltage you measure.

Nominal voltage

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Full charge (4.2 V/cell)
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Storage (3.8 V/cell)
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Don’t go below (3.2 V/cell)
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Pack voltage = cells × voltage per cell. To see the real state of each cell, measure through the balance connector.

LiPo cell voltages

StateVoltage per cell
Full charge4.2 V
Nominal3.7 V
Storage3.8 V
Minimum while running3.0–3.2 V

The voltage of the whole pack is the voltage of one cell multiplied by the number of cells in series (the “S”). The calculator uses 3.2 V as a safe minimum.

How to read the measured voltage

If you enter the voltage your meter or charger shows, the calculator divides it by the number of cells and tells you whether the battery is charged, partly charged, low or too far discharged. Keep in mind that:

  • Measure at rest, not right after a run or while charging.
  • The total voltage can hide a damaged cell. If one cell is much lower than the others, the pack is out of balance. To check, measure each cell through the balance connector.

When to worry

A battery that is puffed, gets too hot or has badly unbalanced cells should not be used or charged. You’ll find the warning signs and how to store it in the guide to RC LiPo batteries.

Need to know how long it will take to charge? Use the LiPo charge time calculator. And to find out how many cells your model can take, check the specs of your ESC (electronic speed control).

Frequently asked questions

How many volts is a 2S, 3S or 4S LiPo?

Nominally 7.4 V, 11.1 V and 14.8 V. Fully charged, 8.4 V, 12.6 V and 16.8 V.

What is the storage voltage of a LiPo?

About 3.8 V per cell: 7.6 V for a 2S, 11.4 V for a 3S. It's the level that best preserves the battery if you won't use it for a few days.

What is the minimum voltage of a LiPo?

While running, don't go below about 3.0–3.2 V per cell. Below that, the battery loses capacity or gets damaged. Turn on your ESC's low-voltage cutoff.

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