This invention includes a circuit for displaying charge status to a user. The circuit includes circuitry for comparing a supply or reference voltage to a cell voltage, circuitry for sensing charging current and circuitry for displaying at least one of three charging states to a user. The circuit compares the supply or reference voltage to the cell voltage while sensing current. If the difference between the supply or reference voltage is great, and current is small, the circuit indicates a trickle charging mode. If the charging current is large, the circuit indicates rapid charge. If the difference between the supply or reference voltage is small, and the current is small, the circuit indicates a top off mode. The circuit preferably includes a plurality of comparators for both sensing and comparing the voltages and currents. A pair of light emitting diodes preferably indicates the state of charge to the user.