Drone Current Consumption Calculator

Accurate current prediction helps size your batteries correctly and prevent brownouts during flight.

Current Consumption Parameters

Current Consumption Results

How It Works

This calculator estimates the current consumption of your drone based on its weight, propeller configuration, and flight mode. The calculations use a combination of theoretical models and empirical data to provide realistic estimates.

  • Basic Physics: The power needed to keep a drone airborne is directly related to its weight, air density, and efficiency.
  • Flight Modes: Different flying styles require different amounts of power. Hovering is our baseline, while acrobatic flying can use up to 50% more power.
  • System Efficiency: Motors, ESCs, and propellers all impact how efficiently electrical energy is converted to thrust.
  • Battery Capacity: The estimated flight time is calculated using 80% of your battery's capacity as a safety margin, as LiPo batteries should not be discharged below 20%.

where power P is derived from thrust requirements and velocity. For hovering, we use the theoretical minimum power formula. I = P/V where v is air velocity, T is thrust, and η is system efficiency. For hovering conditions, we use:

P ≈ T × v / ηP ≈ T × √(T/(2ρA))

Propeller size and pitch also affect efficiency. A larger propeller diameter typically provides more efficient thrust, while the pitch-to-diameter ratio affects both thrust and efficiency.