Drone Flight Time Calculator
Enter your drone's all-up weight, battery capacity, and cell count to estimate how long it will fly in hover, cruise, and full-power modes - with a 20% safety reserve. Compare different battery sizes side by side. Nothing uploaded.
All-Up Weight ?
Battery
Nominal: 14.8 V
Current Draw
Hover current: - A
Flight Style Mix ?
Total: 100%
Flight Time Estimates
Battery Stats
Battery Comparison (same weight, same voltage)
| Capacity | Hover | Cruise | Practical |
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Learn more: Drone battery performance and flight time
How battery capacity, discharge rate, and weight affect flight time
Flight time depends on battery capacity (mAh), discharge rate (C rating), drone weight, and flying style. A higher C rating means faster discharge and shorter flight time. Heavier drones (camera payload) drain batteries faster. The calculator uses manufacturer specs and real-world flight data to estimate actual time you'll get.
Understanding mAh and C-ratings
mAh (milliamp-hour) is total energy capacity. A 1500 mAh battery at 25C discharge rate can supply 25 × 1500mA = 37.5 amps continuously. Higher C ratings generate heat and reduce usable flight time. The calculator accounts for these physics so you don't overestimate.
Weight and payload impact
Every additional gram of payload shortens flight time. A camera gimbal, ND filter, or larger props adds weight. The calculator lets you include payload weight so you get realistic estimates for your actual flying setup, not just the bare drone specs.
Flying style and weather
Aggressive flying (fast climbs, quick direction changes) uses more battery than gentle cruising. Headwind burns extra battery fighting air resistance. These factors are difficult to quantify precisely, but the calculator includes conservative estimates and notes when weather will have the biggest impact.
Frequently asked questions
C-rating tells you the discharge rate: a 1500 mAh battery at 25C can supply 25 × 1.5A = 37.5A continuously. Higher C ratings provide more power but generate more heat and shorter usable flight time.
Every gram of added payload (camera, gimbal, ND filter) reduces flight time proportionally. Heavier drones need more lift force, using more battery energy.
Flying into a headwind requires more thrust to maintain position, draining the battery faster. A 10mph headwind can reduce flight time by 15-20%.