Guide to Common Battery Sizes (with Size Chart)

Battery Sizes

Batteries, almost quite literally, make the work go round. Without them, you’d have to get up and change the channel on your TV, and your computer’s time and date would be messed up every time you booted it up. But what sizes do batteries come in?

Batteries come in all different shapes and sizes. In order from smallest to largest in terms of physical size, the most common 1.5-volt batteries sizes are AAA, AAA, AA, C, and D. As per Battery Council International Standards, battery groups range in size from 9.4 × 5.1 × 8.8 inches to 13 × 6.8 × 9.4 inches.

Common battery sizes

Apart from the physical size of a battery, have you ever wondered what a battery’s specifications—e.g., voltage, amp-hours, Li-Ion, etc.—mean? If so, I invite you to continue reading since I’ll describe a battery’s specifications and much more in the following sections.

Battery Types and Sizes

Battery Types and Sizes

Batteries come in various shapes and sizes. However, before discussing the physical size and classes of a battery, it’s important that we familiarize ourselves with the various types of batteries.

Battery Types

In a general sense, we can split batteries into two categories—household and specialty batteries.

Household Batteries

A household battery is a battery that is used to power various household items, including but not limited to neon signs, remote controls, and touchless soap dispensers. The most common household battery sizes are, from smallest to largest, AAAA, AAA, AA, C, and D, as well as a series of button cells. 9V batteries are also a common household battery size used almost exclusively for powering smoke detectors.

This type of battery usually has a power of up to 9 volts—usually between 1.2 and 1.5 volts—and has an amp-hour rating of between 2 and 3 (2,000 and 3,000 mAh) at 3.9 watt-hours. Household batteries are cylindrical or rectangular cuboid in shape.

Specialty Batteries

Specialty batteries are considerably larger than household batteries. They are typically rectangular cuboid in shape and are used for heavy duty applications, including powering lawnmowers, vehicles (such as 12v batteries), and cordless power tools & devices.

The Battery Council International Standards (BCI), similar to the IEC, has standardized battery sizes into different groups, so batteries of identical sizes can be used interchangeably in the same products.

This type of rechargeable battery can deliver up to and beyond 48 volts and 3 amp-hours at 220 watt-hours.

Battery Sizes

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) has set in place various standard codes that encourage battery manufacturers to produce similar battery types at identical dimensions.

Below, I’ll provide a size chart that briefly describes the physical dimensions of household batteries and specialty batteries.

Battery Size Shape Length Width Height
AAAA Cylindrical 8 mm

0.31 in.

8 mm

0.31 in.

42 mm

1.65 in.

AAA Cylindrical 10.5 mm

0.41 in.

10.5 mm

0.41 in.

44.5 mm

1.75 in.

AA Cylindrical 14.2 mm

0.56 in.

14.2 mm

0.56 in.

50 mm

1.97 in.

C Cylindrical 26 mm

1.02 in

26 mm

1.02 mm

46 mm

1.81 in.

D Cylindrical 33 mm

1.30 in.

33 mm

1.30 in.

58 mm

2.28 in.

9V Rectangular 26.5 mm

1.04 in.

17.5 mm

0.69 in.

48.5 mm

1.91 in.

CR123 Cylindrical 17 mm

0.67 in.

17 mm

0.67 in.

34.5 mm

1.36 in.

CR2 Cylindrical 16 mm

0.63 in.

16 mm

0.63 in.

27.5 mm

1.08 in.

N Cylindrical 12 mm

0.47 in.

12 mm

0.47 in.

30.2 mm

1.19 in.

J Rectangular 36.5 mm

1.44 in.

9.18 mm

0.36 in.

48.5 mm

1.91 in.

Group 24 Rectangular 260 mm

10.23 in

173 mm

6.81 in.

225 mm

8.86 in.

Group 27 Rectangular 306 mm

12.04 in.

173 mm

6.81 in.

225 mm

8.86 in.

Group 31 Rectangular 330 mm

12.99 in.

173 mm

6.81 in.

240 mm

9.45 in.

Group 34 Rectangular 260 mm

10.24 in.

173 mm

6.81 in.

200 mm

7.87 in.

Group 35 Rectangular 230 mm

9.06 in.

175 mm

6.89 in.

225 mm

8.86 in.

Group 51 Rectangular 238 mm

9.37 in.

129 mm

5.08 in.

223 mm

8.78 in.

Group 65 Rectangular 306 mm

12.05 in.

190 mm

7.48 in.

192 mm

7.56 in.

Group 78 Rectangular 260 mm

10.24 in.

179 mm

7.05 in.

196 mm

7.72 in.

Battery Specifications

Battery Specifications

Apart from the physical size of a battery, what other specs should we be aware of?

Voltage

For all intents and purposes, the “voltage” rating on a battery refers to how “strong” it is. A higher voltage rating means that the battery is equipped to handle more power-demanding tasks. That is why you’ll find cordless power tools with 14.4V batteries and higher.

Amp-Hours

Amp-hours measure a battery’s capacity. A typical household battery can supply up to 3 amps of current per hour. To determine how often you will need to switch the batteries in a household electronic, take its amp rating and divide it by the battery’s amp-hour figure.

Cell Type

There are four main battery cell types—button, cylindrical, polymer, and prismatic.

Cylinder batteries are arguably the most widely used type of battery out there. Inside a cylindrical battery are multiple cells that provide power to household electronics.

A button or coin cell battery is typically used to provide backup power to electronics, such as the battery found on a motherboard. However, it can also be the primary battery for products like wristwatches and car key fobs.

Prismatic cell batteries are the types of batteries found in old cell phones. They are shaped like flat rectangles, but they have become less popular due to the high manufacturing costs and swelling potential. Polymer batteries look and function much like prismatic batteries but do not come with an exterior case.

Battery Chemistries

There are three main types of battery chemistries—Li-Ion, NiCad, and NiMH.

Li-Ion (lithium-ion) batteries are the most popular of the 3. They are known for packing tremendous amounts of energy, making them ideal for household electronics, portable devices, and vehicles. However, Lithium ion batteries are also known for their safety concerns.

NiCad (nickel cadmium) batteries are the most robust of the 3. They work well in extreme hot and cold environments and usually last much longer than the other battery chemistry types. The major problem with NiCad batteries in memory—i.e., it cannot get fully charged after each use.

NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries are in the middle ground in terms of capacity, despite weighing almost twice as much as NiCad batteries. While they are somewhat stable in extreme conditions, they suffer from a “weak cell” problem, in which the battery may be fully charged but immediately run out of power when inserted into an electronic.

Are battery sizes universal?

Here is a simple table summarizing the AA battery size and its different names based on international standards:

Standard Nomenclature Dimensions (mm)
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60086 R6 14.5 x 50.5
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C18 15 14.5 x 50.5
Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) UM-3 14.5 x 50.5

It’s important to note that the dimensions listed here are typical for alkaline AA batteries, and there may be slight variations depending on the specific chemistry and manufacturer.

As for citations, while the information provided is based on general knowledge, you may consider citing relevant standards for authenticity. Here are examples of citations for the standards mentioned:

  1. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). (Year). IEC 60086: Primary batteries – Specifications – Part X: Cylindrical batteries – Dimensions of batteries. Geneva, Switzerland: IEC.
  2. American National Standards Institute (ANSI). (Year). ANSI C18: Portable Primary Cells and Batteries – General and Specifications. New York, NY: ANSI.
  3. Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS). (Year). JIS C 8512: Primary cells and batteries – Dimensions of cylindrical batteries. Tokyo, Japan: JIS.

Make sure to replace “Year” with the specific year of the standard you refer to. If you accessed the standards online, include the URL as well.

Battery sizes are indeed universal, although they may go by different names depending on the standards used in different regions. It is natural to question whether battery sizes are the same everywhere in the world. The good news is that common household batteries have consistent dimensions globally. For instance, the widely used AA battery, known for its cylindrical shape, maintains the same size universally.

While the name ‘AA’ is commonly used to refer to this battery size, it is essential to recognize that various standards assign different nomenclatures to it. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60086 standard labels it as ‘R6,’ the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C18 standard designates it as ’15,’ and the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) refers to it as ‘UM-3.’

Although these batteries may have different names under various standards, their physical size remains consistent. Therefore, regardless of the terminology used, the AA battery’s dimensions are identical, ensuring compatibility across different devices and regions. This uniformity in battery sizes enables the widespread use and interchangeability of batteries for various applications worldwide.

What are the characteristics of NiCd batteries?

NiCd batteries possess several distinct characteristics. Firstly, they are rechargeable, which allows them to be used repeatedly without needing to be replaced. In terms of self-discharge, NiCd batteries have a higher percentage compared to other battery types. This means that they tend to lose their charge faster when not in use. However, when it comes to delivering power, NiCd batteries provide a steady and robust energy flow. This quality makes them particularly suitable for high-drain devices such as flashlights and digital cameras, which demand a constant, reliable source of energy.

What are the characteristics of carbon zinc batteries?

Carbon zinc batteries are popular globally because of their affordability. However, they have a relatively low energy density, which ultimately leads to a shorter lifespan.

What are silver oxide batteries used for?

Silver oxide batteries, commonly found in button cell format, are utilized in various devices that do not necessitate a substantial amount of power. These small batteries serve a purpose in a multitude of applications, including but not limited to calculators, car keys, and wristwatches. Their compact size and specific power output make them ideal for powering low-drain electronic devices.What are the characteristics of NiMH batteries?

What are the characteristics of NiMH batteries?

How does the battery power of NiMH batteries compare to NiCd batteries and lithium-ion batteries?
The battery power of NiMH batteries is higher than that of NiCd batteries but lower than that of lithium-ion batteries.

What is the alternative name for NiMH batteries?
NiMH batteries are also known as Nickel-metal hybrid batteries.

“NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries, often referred to as Nickel-metal hybrid batteries, fall into a middle ground when it comes to their capacity. Despite weighing almost twice as much as NiCad batteries, they offer a decent power output. However, it’s important to note that their power capacity is lower than that of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are known for their rechargeable nature, allowing users to conveniently reuse them. While NiMH batteries are somewhat stable in extreme conditions, they do have a known drawback. Some users have experienced a ‘weak cell’ problem, where the battery may appear fully charged but quickly run out of power when inserted into an electronic device. This issue can be frustrating for users who rely on consistent and reliable power sources. Overall, NiMH batteries have their advantages, such as being rechargeable and offering a moderate power capacity, but it’s important to be aware of their limitations to make informed decisions when choosing a battery for electronic devices.”

What are the different types of batteries available?

What are some less commonly used battery types?
In addition to the commonly used battery types, there are also lesser-known battery types such as aluminum-ion batteries, glass batteries, and silicon-air batteries. These types of batteries are not as frequently used as the ones mentioned earlier.

What are the different types of batteries based on their composition materials?
Based on their composition materials, some common types of batteries are alkaline batteries, lithium batteries, silver oxide batteries, carbon zinc batteries, lithium-ion batteries, NiMH batteries, and NiCd batteries.

Types of Batteries

In the world of batteries, a diverse range of options exists to power various devices. Batteries differ not only in their sizes but also in their composition materials. To help clear any confusion, let’s explore the different types of batteries available.

1. Household Batteries

Household batteries are commonly used to power everyday items found in our homes. They come in various sizes, starting from the smallest AAAA and progressing to AAA, AA, C, and D. Additionally, button cells and the 9V battery fall into this category, serving various purposes.

Battery Size Common Uses
AAAA Small electronic devices
AAA Remote controls, small gadgets
AA Toys, cameras, flashlights
C Medium-sized devices
D Larger devices
9V Smoke detectors, electronics

2. Specialty Batteries

Specialty batteries are larger and designed to handle heavy-duty applications. These rectangular cuboid-shaped batteries find their purpose in powering lawnmowers, vehicles (e.g., 12V batteries), and cordless power tools & devices.

Specialty Battery Common Applications
Lawnmower Battery Lawnmowers
12V Battery Vehicles
Cordless Tools Power tools and cordless devices

3. Lesser-Known Battery Types

Beyond the commonly used types, there are lesser-known battery options with unique characteristics and potential applications. Some of these include:

  • Aluminum-ion Batteries
  • Glass Batteries
  • Silicon-air Batteries

Although not as frequently used as the previously mentioned types, they are worth noting for their unique characteristics and potential applications.

Sources:

  1. Battery University. (https://batteryuniversity.com/)
  2. Energizer. (https://www.energizer.com/)

Types of Batteries

In the world of batteries, there exists a diverse range of options to power various devices. These batteries differ not only in their sizes but also in their composition materials. To help clear any confusion, let’s explore the different types of batteries available.

In a general sense, batteries can be categorized into two main groups: household batteries and specialty batteries. Household batteries are commonly used to power everyday items found in our homes, such as remote controls, neon signs, and touchless soap dispensers. These batteries come in various sizes, starting from the smallest AAAA and progressing to AAA, AA, C, and D. Additionally, there are button cells that are also considered household batteries. Another common household battery is the 9V battery, primarily used for powering smoke detectors.

On the other hand, specialty batteries are larger in size and are designed to handle heavy-duty applications. These rectangular cuboid-shaped batteries find their purpose in powering lawnmowers, vehicles (such as 12v batteries), and cordless power tools & devices. They are specifically built to meet the demands of these more specialized applications.

While the aforementioned batteries cover the most commonly used types, there are also some lesser-known battery options available. These include aluminum-ion batteries, Glass batteries, and Silicon-air batteries, among others. Although not as frequently used as the previously mentioned types, they are worth noting for their unique characteristics and potential applications.

In summary, batteries come in various types based on their composition materials and sizes. Household batteries cater to everyday needs, powering devices like remote controls and smoke detectors. Specialty batteries, on the other hand, are larger and designed for heavy-duty applications like lawnmowers and cordless power tools. And while there are other less commonly used battery types, such as aluminum-ion batteries and Glass batteries, the aforementioned types cover the majority of our battery needs.

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BaronCooke

Baron Cooke has been writing and editing for 7 years. He grew up with an aptitude for geometry, statistics, and dimensions. He has a BA in construction management and also has studied civil infrastructure, engineering, and measurements. He is the head writer of measuringknowhow.com

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