Originally Posted by
CatFan
Doesn’t matter what kind of battery or how long it’s been off the charger. If it won’t charge to 12.65 or more it is junk. Low full charge voltage indicates a significant loss of sulfur in the electrolyte. Likely from sulfation, but maybe loss of electrolyte.
You can’t estimate capacity by charge voltage. Charged voltage is a function of electrolyte specific gravity and internal resistance. A battery can be at 25% of its original capacity and still charge to the same voltage as when it was new. A reduction in voltage indicates a battery with damage of some type.
You are confusing state of charge with capacity. A conventional flooded cell battery at 12.5V would be at 80% state of charge, but that does not mean it’s at 80% capacity. It would track pretty close with a new battery, but as it ages there is no relationship.