How much power do you really need?

Is a bigger inverter better?

The situation becomes more complicated as you add more devices, but it’s still a relatively simple calculation.

car power inverter estimate formula.

Bernd Opitz / Stone / Getty

How Much Power Is Enough for an Inverter?

The right size inverter for your specific utility depends on how much wattage your devices require.

This information is usually printed somewhere on electronic devices, although it may show voltage and amperage ratings instead.

What Size Inverter Should You Buy?

For devices that have AC/DC adapters, these inputs are listed on the power brick.

Other devices typically have a similar label located somewhere out of sight.

In some cases, it’s possible for you to just look up the wattage for your gadget online.

In other cases, its a better idea to actually look at the power supply.

For example, lets say you want to use an Xbox 360 in your car.

If you have a newer version of the console, it may draw 4.7A or even less.

Go Big or Go Home: Is A Bigger Inverter Better?

That means youd need at least a 600 watt inverter to use an Xbox 360 in your car.

However, you always want to go with a bigger inverter than the numbers say you need.

If you go too big, youll have extra room to work with.

If you go too small, youll have another potentially expensive purchase on your hands.

Continuous vs. An inverter that is rated 600 peak and 300 continuous just wont cut it in that situation.