TLDR

Go to  > System Settings > General > About > System Report… > Power

Check Cycle Count, Condition, and Maximum Capacity.

Service/Replace Soon or Max Capacity < 80% usually means the battery is due for replacement.

Battery health impacts trade‑in value. Honest, accurate info means a faster quote & payout at SellMac.com.

Example from our screenshots: MacBook Pro (16‑inch, 2021) on macOS Sequoia 15.5 with Cycle Count: 329, Condition: Normal, Maximum Capacity: 82% → Healthy enough to use, but below average for that cycle count; expect shorter runtime. Consider replacement if it dips under 80%.

Why this guide?

Battery life is the #1 factor buyers ask about—and a key input to your SellMac quote. This guide shows exactly how to read Apple’s battery metrics and what they mean for value, usability, and when to replace.

How to check MacBook battery health (macOS Sequoia & recent macOS)

  1. Click the Apple menu → System Settings → General → About.
  2. Click System Report….
  3. In the sidebar, select Hardware → Power.
  4. Under Battery Information, note: Cycle Count, Condition, Maximum Capacity (%).
  5. Optional: Full Charge Capacity (mAh) and State of Charge.
2021 MacBook Pro specifications displayed System Report button Mac Battery Health information

Pro tip: On some macOS versions you’ll also see battery info in System Settings > Battery. Always rely on the detailed System Report > Power view for the most complete picture.

What each field means

Cycle Count

A cycle equals using 100% of battery capacity (not necessarily in one go). Lower cycles usually mean less overall wear.

Condition

Normal: No service flags detected.
Service Recommended / Replace Soon / Replace Now: Health degraded enough to impact performance or safety.

Maximum Capacity (%)

  • 100% when brand new.
  • ≥ 80% generally acceptable.
  • < 80% indicates runtime reduction and service recommendation.

SellMac’s quick grading rubric (battery)

Use this as a guideline when describing your Mac during a SellMac quote. (Final offers factor in the whole device: battery, display, case, ports, storage life, etc.)
Tier Maximum Capacity Cycle Count Condition Typical Notes
Excellent ≥ 90% < 200 Normal Near‑new runtime; premium value.
Good 85–89% < 400 Normal Solid daily use.
Fair/Normal 80–84% < 700 Normal Noticeably reduced runtime; still usable.
Service Soon ≤ 79% Any Service Recommended/Replace Soon Replacement advised; value adjusted to reflect battery service.
Replace Now N/A Any Replace Now / Swollen Do not use if swollen; service first. Safety takes priority.
Tip: If your battery is under 80% or macOS shows Service Recommended, you can still sell it to SellMac. We’ll price service into the quote so you don’t have to.

FAQ – MacBook Battery

1. Is 82% battery health good for a MacBook?

An 82% battery health is usable but below like-new condition. Expect shorter battery life. Replace if it reaches 80% or lower.

2. What is a good cycle count?

Under 400 cycles with ≥ 85% capacity is ideal. Higher cycles are fine if condition is Normal.

3. When should I replace a MacBook battery?

Replace if Max Capacity ≤ 80%, Condition shows Service Recommended, or battery shows swelling/shutdowns.

4. Does leaving plugged in damage the battery?

Not directly. Heat is the main risk. Optimized Battery Charging helps preserve health.

5. Will a replacement increase resale value?

Yes! Especially if the old battery was under 80% or flagged for service. Keep the invoice for proof.

6. Ready to get a price?

Start your SellMac quote and upload a screenshot of your Battery Information.