Objective Traditional hybrid modulation strategies applied to cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverters with a DC-side voltage ratio of 1 ∶ 1 ∶ 2 have addressed issues such as current backflow but still face challenges in achieving balanced output power among individual cells. To tackle this issue a novel modulation strategy capable of balancing output power among all cells is proposed. Methods The novel modulation strategy starts from the perspectives of mathematical calculations and switch state combinations. Through calculations it controls the output power of the high- voltage unit to be half of the inverter ?? s total output power. On this basis by adjusting redundant switch state combinations the conduction intervals of the high-voltage unit are redistributed once to meet the requirements of complete modulation. Meanwhile pulse signals for the low-voltage cells within specific intervals require logical processing to ensure equal conduction time between the two low-voltage cells thereby ensuring that their output powers are equal. Results Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the novel modulation strategy not only achieves balanced output power among the three cells but also improves the quality of output voltage. Conclusion Simulation and experiments also confirm that the calculation method effectively controls the output power of the H-bridge cells and adjustments to switch state combinations meet the requirements for modulation. These two methods when combined can effectively address the issue of power balancing between cascaded H-bridge units with unequal voltage ratios on the DC side.