Work out the numbers behind your airsoft battery: nominal, fully charged and storage voltages, how much current it can deliver, how long it takes to charge and roughly how many shots you’ll get. Works for LiPo, LiFePO4 (LiFe) and NiMH packs.
LiPo vs LiFePO4 vs NiMH
Most modern AEGs run on LiPo batteries: they’re light, hold a lot of energy and deliver current quickly, giving a crisp trigger response. LiFePO4 (LiFe) packs are a little heavier for the same capacity but are more robust and tolerant of mistreatment. NiMH packs are the old standard: cheap and tough, but heavy, slower to respond and they lose charge sitting on the shelf.
| LiPo | LiFePO4 | NiMH | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage per cell | 3.7 V | 3.3 V | 1.2 V |
| Common airsoft packs | 7.4 V (2S), 11.1 V (3S) | 6.6 V (2S), 9.9 V (3S) | 8.4 V, 9.6 V |
| Fully charged per cell | 4.2 V | 3.6 V | About 1.45 V |
| Storage per cell | 3.8 V | 3.3 V | Store part-charged, top up before use |
| Don’t go below per cell | 3.2 V | 2.8 V | 1.0 V |
| Charger needed | LiPo balance charger | Balance charger with a LiFe mode | NiMH smart charger |
| Trigger response | Excellent | Very good | Fair |
The maths behind the calculator
The shots-per-charge figure assumes about 80% of the pack is usable and an average AEG uses roughly 3.3 milliwatt-hours per shot, then shows a range either side. A hard-hitting spring, a high-torque motor or long bursts will all change it.
LiPo safety: the essentials
- Charge with a balance charger at 1C or less, on a non-flammable surface, and never leave it unattended.
- Use a LiPo safe bag for charging and storage. We stock LiPo safe bags.
- Don’t over-discharge. Stop using the pack when the gun slows noticeably, or use a MOSFET with low-voltage protection.
- Store at 3.8V per cell, never full or flat, and retire any pack that puffs up, gets hot or is damaged.
More on looking after your kit in our airsoft gun maintenance guide. Want to know what a new battery does to your rate of fire? Try the Airsoft ROF Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a 7.4V or 11.1V LiPo in my AEG?
Most AEGs are happiest on a 7.4V LiPo. An 11.1V LiPo gives a sharper trigger response and higher rate of fire, but it puts more strain on the gearbox, motor and trigger contacts, so it’s best kept for upgraded guns with a MOSFET. Check your gun’s manual before going above 7.4V.
What does the C rating on a LiPo mean?
The C rating tells you how much current a battery can deliver continuously, as a multiple of its capacity. A 1,200 mAh (1.2 Ah) pack rated 25C can supply 1.2 × 25 = 30 amps. AEGs draw a big burst of current every shot, so a pack rated 20C or higher is a good minimum for most guns.
What voltage should I store a LiPo at?
Store LiPos at about 3.8V per cell: 7.6V for a 2S (7.4V) pack and 11.4V for a 3S (11.1V) pack. Most balance chargers have a "storage" mode that does this. Never store a LiPo fully charged or flat, and keep it in a LiPo safe bag away from heat.
How long does it take to charge an airsoft battery?
At 1C (a 1,200 mAh pack charged at 1.2 amps) a LiPo takes about an hour from flat, a little more for the final balancing stage. NiMH packs take longer, especially on a slow trickle charger, which can take 10 hours or more. Use the calculator above for your pack and charger.
How many shots will I get from my battery?
It depends on your gun’s spring, motor, gearbox and how you shoot, so any figure is a rough guide. As a ballpark, a 7.4V 1,200 mAh LiPo is often good for a couple of thousand shots in a stock AEG. The calculator gives a range based on the energy stored in your pack.
Do I need a MOSFET for a LiPo battery?
It’s strongly recommended. LiPos deliver current very quickly, which wears and pits the trigger contacts in guns without electronics. A MOSFET switches the power electronically instead, protecting the contacts, and many also cut off before the battery drains too low. Many newer AEGs have one fitted as standard.
Batteries, chargers & safe bags
Everything you need to power your AEG and charge it safely.
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Airsoft ROF Calculator
Estimate your AEG’s rate of fire from its gear ratio, motor speed and battery voltage.
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Take the quiz →Results are estimates for guidance. Always follow your site’s chrono and safety rules, and your gun maker’s advice.