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Cold Cranking Amps Calculator

Enter your engine size and fuel for a starting point. Your owner's manual or original battery label is always the best guide.

Last updated October 2026. By the editorial team.

Starting-point CCA

We have no sourced climate adjustment, so climate doesn't change the number. If you get cold winters, ask for a battery at or above your manual's figure.

Enter your engine size.

How to use this tool

  1. 1. Find engine size

    Look in the owner's manual or on the engine bay label.

  2. 2. Enter size and fuel

    Litres or cubic inches; petrol or diesel.

  3. 3. Read the starting point

    A rule-of-thumb CCA figure.

  4. 4. Check the label

    Your manual or original battery is the best guide.

The Formula

Cubic inches = litres × 61.02. Starting CCA = cubic inches × 1 for petrol or × 2 for diesel. A 2.0 L petrol engine is about 122 cubic inches, so a starting point near 122 CCA. Real batteries are usually specified well above this, which is why the manual matters more than this tool.

After you know your CCA need, check the physical size with the group size finder and compare prices on the price comparison.

Frequently asked questions

What are cold cranking amps (CCA)?

CCA is the current a battery can deliver at 0°F (-18°C) for 30 seconds while holding a minimum voltage. Higher CCA helps in cold starts.

Is this rule exact?

No. About 1 CCA per cubic inch for petrol and about 2 for diesel is a common starting point, not a maker spec. Your owner's manual or the original battery label is the best guide.

Can I use a higher CCA battery?

Usually yes if the size and terminals fit, but more CCA does not fix a charging problem. Never go below what your manual specifies.

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