how many amps can a car battery hold

[SanWalker]

A typical car battery doesn't "hold" a single amp value; its capacity is measured in Amp-hours (Ah), while its starting power is rated in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). For most standard passenger vehicles, you'll find a reserve capacity of around 45-60 Ah, which translates to a theoretical ability to supply a specific amp load for a set time. The more critical number for starting your car is the CCA, which indicates the amperage the battery can deliver at 0°F (-18°C) for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage above 7.2 volts. Common CCA ratings range from 400 to 800 amps.

The actual "amps" a battery can provide depends entirely on the demand. A starter motor might draw 150-200 amps to crank the engine, while the radio might use just 5 amps. The battery's job is to meet these instantaneous high-current demands.

Here’s a quick reference for common battery types and their typical specifications:

Battery Type	Typical CCA Range	Typical Ah Capacity	Common Vehicle Applications
Standard Flooded (Lead-Acid)	400 - 600 A	45 - 60 Ah	Compact to Mid-size Sedans
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)	600 - 800 A	50 - 70 Ah	Luxury Vehicles, Start-Stop Systems
High-Performance	800 - 1000+ A	70 - 100 Ah	Trucks, SUVs, High-displacement Engines
Deep-Cycle (Marine/RV)	150 - 400 A	70 - 200 Ah	Trolling Motors, RV Appliances

When choosing a battery, always match or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended CCA rating, especially if you live in a cold climate. The Ah rating is more important if you frequently use electronics with the engine off. An AGM battery, while more expensive, offers better performance and longevity than a traditional flooded battery.

[GrantDella]

Think of it like this: it's less about how many amps it "holds" and more about how many it can push out in a short burst to start your engine. That's the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). For most cars, you want a battery with at least 500-600 CCA. Check your old battery's label or your owner's manual for the right number. If you get a battery with too low a CCA, you might be stuck with a car that won't start on a cold morning.

[DelChase]

If you're asking about long-term power, like for camping or audio equipment with the engine off, you need to look at Amp-hours (Ah). This tells you how many amps it can supply over 20 hours. A 50Ah battery can theoretically give you 2.5 amps for 20 hours. For these uses, a deep-cycle battery is better than a regular starting battery because it's designed to be drained and recharged repeatedly without getting damaged.