The current distribution over the plate surface in lead-acid cells in the course of discharge was determined mathematically by using the equivalent circuit method. The dependence of the internal cell resistance on the current and charge passed was determined by measurements on a laboratory cell. Six cell variants were considered differing by the location of tabs serving as current terminals. The results are presented in the form of 3D diagrams at various states of discharge. To make the current distribution nearly uniform, extended current tabs located at opposite ends of the plate electrodes were proposed.