2012 - Battery Charge Indicator

[KPOM]

I noticed that the battery charge indicator on the menu bar is often 5% higher than what iStat or Coconut Battery 2.7.4 report (e.g. it says 96% right now while the others say 91%). I wonder if this is a case, like with the iPhone, where it deliberately stays at "100%" longer so as to ensure that the battery does draw down somewhat.

 

[GGJstudios]

I noticed that the battery charge indicator on the menu bar is often 5% higher than what iStat or Coconut Battery 2.7.4 report (e.g. it says 96% right now while the others say 91%). I wonder if this is a case, like with the iPhone, where it deliberately stays at "100%" longer so as to ensure that the battery does draw down somewhat.

The percentage is only an estimate, so it won't be 100% accurate. Usually they match pretty closely, but I've seen a few reports of more than a percentage point or two difference on 2012 models. This should answer most, if not all, of your battery/charging questions:

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ​

 

[KPOM]

The percentage is only an estimate, so it won't be 100% accurate. Usually they match pretty closely, but I've seen a few reports of more than a percentage point or two difference on 2012 models. This should answer most, if not all, of your battery/charging questions:

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ​

I'm quite aware of that. However, I'm noticing that it is consistently 5% different, and that the independent utilities always agree. That makes me think that perhaps the tweaking is deliberate.

 

[tim100]

I'm quite aware of that. However, I'm noticing that it is consistently 5% different, and that the independent utilities always agree. That makes me think that perhaps the tweaking is deliberate.

i have noticed this on my new macbook it is about 5% off. i never noticed this on prior macs.

 

[Jobsian]

I'm also getting 4-5% consistent differences between the OS and iStat's reports.

 

[doccho]

Those 3rd party apps, iStat Pro & Coconut Battery, are correct based on calculation of numbers shown in System Information > Hardware > Power.

 

[Jimbogiant]

Just wanted to confirm the issue: on my 11" 2012 MBA, after charging it fully to 100%, the iStat Pro/System Information charge percentage will drop down to around 95% before the menu bar drops away from 100%, and it will stay ~5% apart until it is fully discharged.

The weird thing is that the light on the MagSafe will turn green as soon as the menu bar reads 100%; however, System Information still says the battery is "charging" until THAT hits 100%, even though the light has switched from orange to green on the charger.