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Reference chart

Jump starter amps by engine chart

Quick answer

A 2.0L four-cylinder needs about 122 cranking amps at freezing, a 5.7L V8 about 348, and a 6.7L diesel about 818. Cold raises these by roughly 40 percent at 0 F.

GOOLOO GP4000 Jump Starter - 4000A 12V Car Battery Jumper Starter Portable

GOOLOO GP4000 Jump Starter - 4000A 12V Car Battery Jumper Starter Portable

4,000A peak

A mid-range pick from the gear this chart is about. More across the price range below the chart.

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Estimated at roughly one amp per cubic inch of displacement for gas and two for diesel, scaled for temperature. Buy a jump starter its maker rates for your engine size plus 15 percent. Run your own numbers in the jump starter size calculator.

Cranking amps by engine and temperature
Engine80 F32 F0 F-20 FRate pack forPeak class
1.0L motorcycle or small engine4661851101.1L gas1,000A+
1.5L four-cylinder gas69921281651.7L gas1,000A+
2.0L four-cylinder gas921221712202.3L gas1,000A+
2.5L four-cylinder gas1141532142752.9L gas1,000A+
3.0L V6 gas1371832563303.4L gas1,000A+
3.5L V6 gas1602142993844.0L gas1,000A+
3.6L V6 gas1652203083954.1L gas1,000A+
4.0L V6 gas1832443424394.6L gas1,500A+
5.0L V8 gas2293054275495.8L gas1,500A+
5.3L V8 gas2433234535826.1L gas1,500A+
5.7L V8 gas2613484876266.6L gas1,500A+
6.2L V8 gas2843785306817.1L gas2,000A+
6.4L V8 gas2933915477037.4L gas2,000A+
6.8L V10 gas3114155817477.8L gas2,000A+
7.3L V8 gas3344456248028.4L gas2,000A+
2.0L four-cylinder diesel1832443424392.3L diesel1,500A+
3.0L V6 or inline-six diesel2753665136593.4L diesel2,000A+
5.0L V8 diesel45861085410985.8L diesel3,000A+
6.6L V8 diesel604806112814507.6L diesel4,000A+
6.7L diesel613818114514727.7L diesel4,000A+
7.3L V8 diesel668891124716048.4L diesel4,000A+

Jump starters across the rating range

An even spread across the price range. Prices change often.

Before you rely on this: Connect red to positive first and black to bare engine metal, and never store a lithium pack in a closed car in extreme heat. Researched from published specifications and verified owner reviews, not hands-on testing. General information, not professional advice; check your vehicle manual and your local law.

Frequently asked questions

Where do the numbers in this chart come from?

Estimated at roughly one amp per cubic inch of displacement for gas and two for diesel, scaled for temperature. Buy a jump starter its maker rates for your engine size plus 15 percent. They are calculated, not measured on any one product, so real results vary with the specific model, its settings and its condition. The jump starter size calculator runs the same formula on your own inputs.

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Updated 2026-09-24