Good Battery Cycle Count For MacBook Pro In 2024? – How To Check

Good Battery Cycle Count For MacBook Pro

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Batteries are your MacBook’s power source. Though today’s batteries last longer, they have limits. By tracking battery cycles, you can calculate when replacement is needed. A healthy battery equals a happy Mac!

Key Takeaways:

  • A battery cycle is when you fully charge and then fully drain your MacBook’s original battery.
  • MacBook batteries are designed to last around 500-1000 cycles before needing battery replacement. The exact number depends on the model.
  • You can check your battery’s cycle count using System Information, the Coconut Battery app, or the Terminal.
  • Monitor metrics like high cycle count, full charge capacity, and battery health information to determine when your battery needs replacing.
  • To extend your battery’s lifespan, avoid overcharging by unplugging once fully charged and recharging around 20-30%.

What is the Battery Cycle?

A battery cycle is when you charge your MacBook’s battery to 100% and use it until completely drained. After a certain number of battery cycles, your battery’s overall power will diminish, and it won’t last as long as it used to.

Although MacBook Pro batteries are designed to last a long time, they will eventually wear down and must be replaced. You may notice that your battery doesn’t hold a charge for as long as it did when it was new.

How Many Cycles Can MacBook Battery Go Through?

The estimated number of cycles your battery can go through before needing to be replaced can vary by the model and year of your MacBook Pro.

The average number of battery cycles is 1000, but can be as low as 300 for some really old models. Some models are 500. 

According to the official Apple guide, the following are the estimated number of cycles:

MacBook ModelEstimated Number of Cycles
MacBook Air (2018 or later)1,000
MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)1,000
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018 or later)1,000
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018 or later)1,000
MacBook Air (2017 or earlier)500
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017 or earlier)1,000
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017 or earlier)1,000

Number of Battery Cycles

Note that these are just estimated numbers, and the number of cycles your battery can go through before needing a replacement may vary based on usage patterns and environmental conditions.

The battery is considered consumed once it reaches the limit. Keep in mind that these are only estimates, and each battery life can vary.

According to Apple,

The MacBook Pro battery is designed to hold 80% of its total charging capacity for at least these estimated battery cycle count numbers.

After the maximum cycle count limit, the battery will still function but not hold a charge for as long. Remember that one full battery cycle is from complete charge to complete battery drain, which may happen over several days of average use.

How To Determine Battery Cycle Count

It is easy!  It can keep track of the information when you might need a new battery or troubleshoot a reason why the computer’s performance is being affected.

Here are  3 methods to determine the battery cycles. You can choose one with your ease.

1. System Information

One easy way to determine the battery maximum cycle count on your MacBook Pro is by using the System Information feature.

This method works for all Mac laptops, including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and MacBook.

To determine battery cycle count using System Information, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select About This Mac from the dropdown menu.
About the mac
  1. Click the More Info button on this screen.
More Info
  1. Click the System Report button.
System Report
  1. In the left-hand column, find and click Power.
Power
  1. Look for the Cycle Count entry in the main window. It will show you the number of battery cycles your MacBook Pro has gone through.
Cycle Count

2. Using Coconut Battery

Coconut Battery

Coconut Battery is a free third-party app that allows you to easily check the health and current cycle count of your MacBook’s battery. It provides an easy-to-understand interface with additional information, such as current capacity, load cycles, temperature, and battery discharge rate.

Here are the steps to determine the battery cycle count using Coconut Battery:

  1. Download and install Coconut Battery from its official website.
  2. Open the app, and it should automatically detect your MacBook battery information.
Open Coconut Battery App
  1. Look for the Cycle Count section, which will display the number of cycles your battery has gone through.
Coconut Battery Cycle Count
  1. You can also check the battery’s overall health, current charge remaining, and other details in the app.

3. Using Terminal

The Terminal is a built-in macOS program allowing users to access the system’s command-line interface. Using Terminal, you can access your MacBook battery cycle count and other important system information.

Steps:

  1. Open Terminal on your MacBook pro. You can do this by searching for Terminal in Spotlight or by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  2. Type the following command in Terminal: ioreg -l -w0 |grep Capacity. This command will display your MacBook battery information, including the current cycle count.
  3. Look for the line that says CycleCount. The number next to it is your MacBook pro current battery cycle count.
Battery Cycle Count

How To Determine Battery Health

Another thing you will want to pay attention to is battery health/ battery life. If you look at the above image, you will see it lists conditions under the cycle count.

To determine the health of your MacBook Pro battery, there are a few parameters that you can look at. Here are some of the most important ones:

  1. Cycle Count: As discussed earlier, the maximum cycle count is the maximum number of times your battery has gone through a complete charge cycle and discharge cycle. Most MacBook batteries are designed to last for around 1000 cycles (i.e., cycle count limit). Once you reach this limit, your battery’s health and performance will degrade.
  2. Full Charge Capacity: This is the maximum charge your battery can hold. Over time, this capacity will naturally decrease due to regular usage and wear and tear.
  3. Battery Health Percentage: This is an estimate of your battery’s overall health and capacity based on the current cycle count and full charge capacity.

Quick Way to Check Battery Health:

There is a way to quickly and easily check on the condition of your battery instead of going into the System Information menu.

  1. Click on the battery icon in the menu on the right-hand side of your screen and you will see a couple of pieces of key information regarding your battery.
Battery
  1. Depending on the macOS your MacBook Pro is running, this may also tell you your battery power condition as well as the battery percentage of remaining battery life. You can also click on Battery Settings to learn more.
Battery Health
  1. Next to the Battery Health tab [below the battery icon], click the “i” icon to open a detailed window with more information about your MacBook Pro battery.
Battery Status

Yes, the Battery Condition shows Normal.

Based on the Battery Health/battery life, any condition can come up as these:

Battery StatusMeaning
NormalBattery is functioning perfectly fine
Service BatteryThe battery has an issue that needs to be addressed and should be taken to a repair or service center
Replace SoonThe battery has exceeded its estimated maximum cycle count, not holding a charge well, and should be replaced soon
Replace NowThe battery is quickly losing charging capacity and should be replaced immediately as it may not last long without you leave it plugged in.

How to Improve Battery Health Macbook Pro

How to Improve Battery Health Macbook Pro

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Usually, higher temperatures degrade the battery health of your MacBook Pro. Always keep your MacBook in a cool environment. Avoid leaving your MacBook Pro in direct sunlight or in hot cars.

Optimal Charging: Do not overcharge your MacBook. Partial charging is good for lithium-ion batteries. Charge your MacBook frequently, even if it is not fully depleted.

Manage Background Processes: Close All unnecessary apps running in background that may continuously deplete your battery health over the time.

Adjust Display Settings: Lower your screen Brightness and keep shorter screen sleep time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I keep my MacBook Pro plugged in all the time?

Keeping your MacBook Pro plugged in all the time can lead to overcharging and reduce the battery life. It’s recommended to unplug your MacBook Pro once it’s fully charged and let it discharge to about 20-30% before plugging it back in.

Does charging my MacBook Pro overnight damage the battery?

Charging your MacBook Pro overnight can damage the battery if it leads to overcharging. However, most modern MacBook Pro models have smart battery technology that automatically stops charging once the battery is full, so leaving it plugged in overnight is safe.

What is a good battery cycle count for MacBook Pro?

A good battery cycle count for a MacBook Pro depends on various factors such as usage, charging habits, and battery health. Generally, a MacBook Pro battery can last up to 1000 cycles before it needs to be replaced.
However, if you take good care of your battery and follow best practices, you can extend its life beyond that.

Final Words

Knowing the maximum cycle count for your MacBook Pro’s battery can help you determine when it might be time to replace it and give you an understanding of the overall health and performance of the computer.

It’s an easy maintenance task to keep track of every once in a while and a good skill to learn that should be no problem to remember.

How many cycles does your MacBook battery have?

About Eric
Avatar photo
Eric currently uses a 15-inch MacBook Pro for both work and personal errands. He did all the research and testing to make sure all the fixes and optimization tips shared on the blog are relevant to Apple’s latest macOS updates as well as fact-checking.

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  • MB

    Hi! I bought my macbook pro 2020 last Aug 2020. And I just checked now the cycle count and it says 740?? Does this mean my macbook is nearing it’s limit? Will I need to replace it asap? I work from home and use my macbook clamshell mode.

    Need advice. Thank you

    Reply
  • Gulshan

    if my battery is at 40% and I charge it to 80%, will this be considered as 1 cycle count? And are there any ways 1 cycle count lasts for many days ?

    Reply
    • Hassanools

      No You should charge it completely and then use it until the battery runs 0%. Then thats a 1 cycle.

      Reply
    • Allahu Snackbar

      No one cycle is one entire charge up, meaning if you are at 80 and charge 20 percent, and next day your battery is dead and charge it up to 80, it would be a full cycle.

      Reply
  • Alex Fischer

    My cycle reads 1089. Does this mean that I should replace the battery?

    Reply
  • Chris

    Just got a mid 2015 cycle count is 96 I think I’m okay

    Reply
  • Huma

    My battery cycle count is 550 but the condition says ‘replace now’ and it doesn’t work if not plugged in.
    How long will the battery last?

    Reply
  • John C.

    My mid 2012 MacBook pro has Cycle Count: 1396, suggesting replacement.
    I have also acquired the notorious “wandering cursor,” of which some commentators have suggested that the battery may be swelling enough to impinge on the trackpad. I will replace the battery soon.
    Has anyone experienced a bloated battery affecting the cursor ?

    Reply
  • Poorna Deepa

    It’s been six months and I use my MacBook pro-2020 for almost 8-10 hours a day(since I have online classes and too many assignments). Currently, my cycle count is 85. I am a little afraid that my laptop will not be alive for more than two years? What do you think? How should I take care of by battery?

    Reply
  • rabin

    my battery says 30 cycle count how dos it mean

    Reply
  • Asif

    My macbook pro2013 battery cycle count us 680. Is it high time to replace it!?

    Reply
  • Nourouddin

    i’m using a macbook pro mid 2015… my battery cycle count is 1104…it says replace soon… but i always have my charger connect on since i’m into graphic design and movie production and i use adobes software like 18 hours over 24 hours and sometimes 22/24… is that gonna be a problem if i don’t change it and keep it plugged in with i work?

    Reply
    • Ajay

      If you don’t need to be on battery and you always have a charger on hand you should be fine

      Reply
    • Paul Z

      You should upgrade to the M1 Pro. The new memory architecture allocates memory when and where it is needed, and the result is a much more efficient laptop. I can go an entire day without charging the laptop, while connected to 2 31″ monitors and running various Adobe products, including Premier and After Effects. Plus it has not overheated once.

      Reply
  • Bella

    I’ve had my macbook for about 2 years now and the cycle count is 455. Is that normal?

    Reply
  • Berto

    my battery say 23 cycle count what do you think i need a new battery. i only use for 2 hours without the cable i have a macbook 13. thanks

    Reply
    • Rey

      No you’re good. Just like the article said, check the cycle count and condition. If you’re still confused, go to apple support and there’s a chart that determines whether your Mac is in a good condition or not

      Reply
    • Ryan

      My 13in Macbook Air also only runs for maybe 30 minutes to 2 hours. 253 Cycles used, and only 2800mAh battery. Awful battery.

      Reply
    • bob

      Drop you computer and immediately go to an Apple store to buy a new battery

      Reply