The voltage of a 12V battery is a crucial indicator of its charge level and performance. Whether in cars, mobile homes, solar systems or other applications - understanding the relationship between voltage and charge level is essential to maximize the life of the battery and avoid failures.

In this article, you will learn how to correctly assess the charge level of your 12V battery based on the measured voltage. We provide you with a practical table, explain the most important influencing factors and give you valuable tips on battery care. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user - here you will find the answers to your questions about the 12V battery.

Contents

• What is a battery charge level table?
  
• Different types of batteries
  
• Battery charge level table 12v/24V - different battery types
  
• Bonus tip: How can you measure the battery voltage?
  
• FAQ
  
• Conclusion
  
• LiTime - your best energy solution

What is battery charge level table?

Since the state of charge cannot be measured directly but indirectly via the battery voltage, you need a battery state of charge table. A battery state of charge table is a chart that shows how the state of charge (SOC) of a battery is related to its measured voltage. Such tables are particularly useful for checking batteries in different applications.

But different battery voltage values ​​with corresponding SOCs are different. This article aims to summarize all the information you need for a quick read. First, we can start by defining the battery types mentioned below so that you can check if the battery described corresponds to the one you want to measure.

Different types of batteries

lithium battery

A lithium battery is a rechargeable battery that uses lithium as its main component. It features high energy density, long cycle life and low weight, making it ideal for applications such as smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles.

LifePO4 Batterie

A LiFePO4 battery (lithium iron phosphate battery) is a special type of lithium battery that uses iron phosphate as the cathode material. It offers high safety, long life and stable performance, while having a lower energy density compared to other lithium batteries. These batteries are particularly suitable for applications in solar energy storage, electric vehicles and emergency power systems.

gel battery

A gel battery is a lead-acid battery in which the electrolyte is in gel form, making it leak-proof and maintenance-free. It offers a long lifespan and is often used in solar panels and backup power systems.

AGM Batterie

An AGM battery uses fiberglass mats to absorb the electrolyte. It is robust, requires little maintenance and is well suited for high-performance applications such as cars and motorcycles.

Battery charge level table 12V/24V - different battery types

Below is a table with the corresponding voltages for each battery type. You can use the table to check whether the charge level of your battery is OK or not.

Lithium-Batterie 12V/24V

LifePO4 Batterie 12V/24V

Gel battery 12V/24V

AGM Batterie 12V/24V

Bonus tip: How to measure battery voltage?

The prerequisite for checking the charge level of a battery is that you can measure the voltage of the battery correctly. If you don't know how to do this yet, you will find detailed instructions below:

Step 2. Select the voltage range:

If your multimeter does not have autoranging, select a voltage range higher than the nominal voltage of the battery being measured (e.g. for a 12V battery, select a range of 20V).

Step 3. Identify the battery terminals:

Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery.

Step 4. Connect the sensors:

Use the red probe to touch the positive terminal of the battery. Use the black probe to touch the negative terminal of the battery.

Step 5. Read the measurement:

Look at the multimeter display to read the voltage value. This value indicates the current voltage of the battery.

Step 6. Interpret the results:

Compare the measured voltage with the nominal voltage of the battery to determine its state of charge:

• For a fully charged lead acid battery, the voltage should be around 12.6 to 12.8 volts.
  
• For lithium-ion batteries, the voltage of a fully charged cell is usually around 4.2 volts.

FAQ

At what voltage is a 12V battery empty?

Regardless of the battery type, the battery is empty or almost empty when the voltage is about 10 V. Batteries should not be regularly discharged below 50% (about 12.2V for lead-acid) to maximize their lifespan.

How much voltage should a 12V battery have?

The normal voltage range of a 12V battery depends on its condition: 12.6V - 12.8V when fully charged, 12.2V - 12.5V when partially charged, and below 11.8V when almost discharged. During charging, the voltage usually rises to 13.8V - 14.4V (for lead-acid batteries) or 14.2V - 14.6V (for lithium batteries).

How do I determine the charge level of a battery?

The best way to determine the charge level of a battery is to measure the resting voltage with a multimeter. A full 12V battery has a voltage of 12.6V to 12.8V, while a nearly empty battery is below 11.8V. For accurate results, the battery should not have been used for at least 4-6 hours. Alternatively, battery monitors or specific chargers can display the charge level directly.

Conclusion

In summary, the charge level table for 12V and 24V batteries offers a simple and effective method of checking the current battery status based on the voltage. By measuring the voltage regularly, you can not only optimize the performance of your battery, but also extend its service life. Whether gel, AGM or lithium batteries - knowing the specific values ​​is crucial for correct handling. With this information, you are well equipped to use your battery efficiently and safely.

LiTime - your best energy solution

LiTime is an expert in battery manufacturing and offers many kinds of multifunctional lithium iron phosphate batteries, which will provide you with enough power for your Trolling motor, RVing and fishing activities.