MacBook Pro chargers range from 30 watts to 140 watts depending on the model year and screen size
The wattage of your MacBook Pro charger depends on which MacBook Pro you own. Newer models with larger screens and more powerful processors need higher wattage chargers. A 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2022 or later uses a 67-watt charger. A 14-inch model uses 96 watts. A 16-inch uses 140 watts. Older Intel-based MacBook Pro models use 45, 60, or 85-watt chargers depending on when they were made.
The charger wattage is printed directly on the power adapter itself. Look at the brick-shaped part of your charger — you will see text that says something like "67W" or "96W" near the electrical specifications. If you have lost the charger or are buying a replacement, knowing your exact model year and screen size will tell you which wattage you need.
Key Takeaways
- MacBook Pro chargers range from 30 watts on the oldest models to 140 watts on the newest 16-inch models.
- The wattage is printed on the charger itself, usually near the bottom of the power brick.
- Newer Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models (2021 and later) use 67, 96, or 140 watts depending on screen size.
- Using a charger with lower wattage than your model requires will charge your MacBook more slowly but will not damage it.
- You can find your exact model and charger wattage by going to the Apple menu, clicking "About This Mac," and checking the model identifier.
How to find your exact charger wattage
The fastest way is to look at the charger you already have. Pick up the power brick and look for text that lists the wattage. You will see something like "67W USB-C Power Adapter" or "140W USB-C Power Adapter." The number before the "W" is what you need to know.
If you do not have the charger or cannot read the text clearly, you can look up your MacBook Pro model. Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen, click "About This Mac," and write down the model identifier — it will look something like "MacBookPro18,1" or "MacBookPro16,2." Then search Apple's official specifications page with that identifier to find the correct charger wattage for your machine.
Wattage by MacBook Pro model year and size
| Model Year | Screen Size | Charger Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 and later | 13-inch | 67W |
| 2023 and later | 14-inch | 96W |
| 2023 and later | 16-inch | 140W |
| 2021–2022 | 13-inch | 67W |
| 2021–2022 | 14-inch | 96W |
| 2021–2022 | 16-inch | 140W |
| 2020 and earlier (Intel) | 13-inch | 45W or 61W |
| 2020 and earlier (Intel) | 15-inch or 16-inch | 85W or 96W |
Apple switched to Apple Silicon processors in late 2021, and those models use USB-C chargers with higher wattage ratings. Older Intel-based MacBook Pro models used MagSafe connectors and lower wattage chargers. If your MacBook Pro is from 2020 or earlier, your charger is almost certainly 45W, 61W, 85W, or 96W.
The table above covers the most common configurations, but some older models may have different wattage ratings. If you cannot find your exact model in the table, use the "About This Mac" method described in the previous section to confirm your charger wattage before buying a replacement.
What happens if you use the wrong wattage charger
Using a charger with lower wattage than your MacBook Pro requires will not damage the machine. Your MacBook will simply charge more slowly. A 13-inch MacBook Pro that normally charges with a 67-watt charger will still charge with a 45-watt charger — it will just take longer. This is safe to do if you are in a situation where you only have access to a lower-wattage charger.
Using a charger with higher wattage than your model requires is also safe. Modern MacBook Pro models have built-in power management that prevents overcharging. Your MacBook will only draw the amount of power it actually needs, regardless of whether the charger can supply more. A 16-inch MacBook Pro will work fine with a 140-watt charger even if it only needs 96 watts.
The one restriction is that your charger must be USB-C if your MacBook Pro is from 2021 or later. Older Intel models used MagSafe connectors and are not compatible with USB-C chargers. Check your MacBook's charging port before buying a replacement charger.
Why different MacBook Pro models need different wattages
Larger screens and more powerful processors require more electrical power to run. A 16-inch MacBook Pro with a high-end processor and dedicated graphics card draws significantly more power than a 13-inch model with a base processor. The charger wattage is designed to match the maximum power the machine can draw, so it can charge the battery while the MacBook is running demanding tasks.
Apple also designs chargers to charge your MacBook at a reasonable speed. A 140-watt charger can fully charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro in roughly two hours, while a lower-wattage charger would take much longer. The wattage rating reflects both the machine's power needs and Apple's target charging time.
Where to buy a replacement MacBook Pro charger
Apple sells official chargers on its website and in Apple Stores. You can also find them through authorized retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. Official Apple chargers cost between $50 and $100 depending on wattage. Before you buy, confirm your exact wattage requirement by checking your current charger or looking up your model on Apple's support page.
Third-party USB-C chargers from brands like Anker, Belkin, and Nekteck also work with MacBook Pro models from 2021 and later, as long as they support the wattage your model requires. These are often less expensive than official Apple chargers. Make sure any third-party charger you buy explicitly states it is compatible with MacBook Pro and lists the correct wattage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iPad charger to charge my MacBook Pro?
It depends on the wattage. iPad chargers are typically 20 watts or 30 watts, which is lower than most MacBook Pro models require. Your MacBook will charge very slowly with an iPad charger, but it will not be damaged. If you need to charge your MacBook quickly, use the correct wattage charger for your model.
Will a higher wattage charger damage my MacBook Pro battery?
No. Your MacBook Pro has built-in circuitry that controls how much power the battery receives, regardless of the charger's maximum wattage. Using a 140-watt charger on a 13-inch MacBook Pro that only needs 67 watts is completely safe.
What is the difference between USB-C and MagSafe chargers for MacBook Pro?
MagSafe is a magnetic connector used on older Intel-based MacBook Pro models (2020 and earlier). USB-C is the connector used on all Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models (2021 and later). They are not compatible with each other. Check your MacBook's charging port to determine which type you need.
How do I know if my charger is original Apple or a third-party brand?
Official Apple chargers have "Apple" printed on them and include the Apple logo. The text will say "USB-C Power Adapter" or "MagSafe Power Adapter" followed by the wattage. Third-party chargers will have the manufacturer's name instead. Both work with MacBook Pro, but official chargers come with Apple's warranty.
Can I charge my MacBook Pro with a phone charger?
Most phone chargers are 20 watts or less, which is too low for efficient MacBook Pro charging. Your MacBook will charge extremely slowly or may not charge at all while in use. Use a charger rated for at least 67 watts for any modern MacBook Pro model.