Unleash the Power: How Many Watts Does a Laptop Charger Use?

In this digital age, laptops have become indispensable tools for work, communication, and entertainment. But when we think of keeping our laptops powered, we rarely consider the concept of 'wattage'.

How many watts to charge a laptop? What does wattage even mean for your laptop charger and how does it impact your laptop's performance?

Let's break down the basic concept of laptop charger wattage in this article, uncover why the wattage matters, and determine the ideal wattage for a laptop charger. 

What Does Wattage Mean for Laptop Chargers?

Laptop charger wattage refers to the power rating that signifies how much power a charger can supply to a laptop. It is calculated by multiplying the voltage (V) a charger provides by the current (Amps) it can produce. Typically, a laptop charger watt is between 40 and 150 watts. A higher wattage charger generally means it can supply more power which can be useful for bigger, more demanding laptops or for fast-charging smaller devices.

But remember, while using a charger with more watts than needed to charge laptop won't necessarily harm your laptop — your laptop will only draw the amount of power it requires, using a lower wattage charger can cause issues. If the wattage is too low, the charger might not be able to sufficiently power your laptop, leading to slower performance or not charging at all.

Therefore, it's important to use a charger with the appropriate wattage as indicated by your laptop manufacturer. You can find the watts needed to charge laptop on the power brick of your charger or on the official website of your laptop.

How Many Watts Is Best for a Laptop Charger?

We have known that laptop chargers come in various wattages, typically ranging between 40 and 150 watts. For smaller batteries, a charger might draw around 60 watts, while gaming laptops could have higher wattage requirements.

To determine how many watts does a laptop use when charging, it's essential to check the wattage rating or specifications provided by the manufacturer in the user manual or on the laptop itself. Specifically, you can find the wattage information on the laptop's power adapter or in the device’s settings. Most adapters have a label indicating the output wattage (e.g., 65W, 90W, 120W).

Using a charger with a significantly higher wattage than required may not necessarily harm the laptop, but it won't decrease charging time. For instance, a laptop that requires 65 watts will charge effectively with a 65-watt charger, but using a higher wattage charger (like a 90W or 120W) is generally safe as well since most laptops regulate the power intake.

However, using a charger with a lower wattage than specified, such as a 60W adapter for a 120W laptop, can lead to significantly slower charging speeds and reduced performance, even causing the laptop to overheat or burn due to the low voltage or low output current of the charger, especially while the laptop is in use. Some users still opt for a 60W charger as a compact travel option, planning to charge the laptop overnight when it's not running. This way, the slower charging speed and decreased performance aren’t an issue.

In short, if you are about to buy a laptop charger, always stick with a charger that meets or exceeds the recommended wattage to maintain performance. For those who want a higher wattage in a small size, there are compact 100W USB-C chargers built with GaN (gallium nitride) technology.

Common Wattages of Laptop Chargers 

Laptop chargers come in different wattages, which depend on the specific requirements of the laptop in terms of power. If you are in the market looking for a proper laptop charger, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a breakdown of the common wattages for laptop charger and their purposes:

Standard Wattage Chargers: 45-65W

• 45W Chargers: These 45W Chargers are commonly used for smaller and lighter laptops, such as ultrabooks and netbooks. They are designed to provide adequate power supply and battery charging for laptops with low power consumption. These chargers are often seen with laptops that use energy-efficient processors like Intel's Core-M series or some entry-level laptops with lower performance requirements.
• 65W Chargers:This is the average laptop charger wattage and such chargers are usually seen with mid-range laptops, which have moderate power consumption. These chargers can handle the power needs of laptops utilizing standard processors such as Intel's Core i3, i5, or i7 series, or AMD's Ryzen processors. Typically, these laptops will have integrated graphics or low-power discrete GPUs, enabling them to provide adequate performance without needing a high-wattage charger.

If you are looking for a 65W laptop charger, Anker laptop chargers have your back! Check out the Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W) today. This versatile and compact charger is powered by advanced GaN II Technology, featuring a stacked design and enhanced circuitry for efficient power delivery. It offers up to 65W when charging a single device, making it ideal for laptops, and includes two USB-C and one USB-A port for simultaneous charging of three devices. This innovative design ensures a smaller charger without sacrificing power, providing a versatile, travel-friendly solution for multi-device users. 

High Wattage Chargers: 90W or More

• 90W Chargers: Laptops that require 90W chargers are usually higher-performing machines, such as multimedia or gaming laptops. These laptops often come with powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and additional components like multiple storage drives or enhanced cooling systems. The 90W chargers are designed to support laptops that require more power for better performance and faster charging times.
• 120W, 150W, or even 200W Chargers: These computer chargerwatts are specifically for high-performance gaming laptops or mobile workstations with power-hungry components. Laptops in this category often feature high-end processors, powerful dedicated graphics cards, and multiple storage drives. Consequently, they require higher-wattage chargers to provide the necessary power and keep the device running smoothly. These chargers are essential to support demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, or running graphically-intensive games.

Need a high-wattage laptop charger? We have one for you! The Anker 737 Charger (GaNPrime 120W) offers powerful, efficient charging for multiple devices with its two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, allowing you to charge a phone, tablet, and laptop all at once. With a single-device connection, it can deliver up to 100W. Featuring PowerIQ 4.0 with Dynamic Power Distribution, the 737 Charger automatically adjusts output to meet each device’s needs, reducing charge time by up to 26 minutes. Plus, its compact design makes it easy to carry wherever you go. 

Conclusion

To sum up, in-depth knowledge of how many watts does a laptop charger use is crucial. Wattage is not just a number—it's the pulse of your device's performance. Whether you need the raw power of a higher wattage to support more intensive tasks, or a more modest wattage for everyday use, this decision can greatly influence the lifespan and functionality of your laptop. So, don't just settle for any charger, choose a power-tailored companion that transforms your laptop into a reliable and powerful workhorse! 

Common FAQs about Laptop Charger Wattage

Is 60W Enough to Charge a Laptop?

Yes, 60W is generally sufficient to charge a laptop. Most standard laptops require a power output around this range for effective charging. However, it is important to note that the required wattage may vary significantly based on the specific model and manufacturer.

Can I Use a Higher Wattage Charger for My Laptop?

Yes, you can use a charger with higher watts to charge laptop without causing damage. Your laptop will only draw the power it needs. However, it won't charge your laptop faster. For example, it's fine and safe to use 100W charger for 65W laptop. You can find more quality laptop chargers at Anker. 

How to Check Laptop Charging Wattage?

To check your laptop's charging wattage, look at the original charger that came with the laptop. It will usually list its output in volts and amps. Multiply those two numbers together to get the wattage. Alternatively, you can check in the laptop's manual or the manufacturer's website if the charger is not available.

Is a 30W Charger Enough for a Laptop?

A 30W charger is generally too weak for most laptops, which often need at least 45-60W or more to charge effectively. However, it’s fine for smaller devices like phones and tablets. Using a 30W phone charger for a laptop will result in slow charging or might not charge at all if the laptop demands higher power.

Can I Use a 100W Charger on a 65W Laptop?

Yes, you can use a 100W charger on a 65W laptop and it is safe, as the laptop will draw only the power it needs (65W) thanks to the USB Power Delivery (USB - PD) standard. Just ensure the charger is compatible with your laptop's voltage and connector type.