About Battery Sizes, The truth is that countless companies are manufacturing many batteries to meet the ever-growing demand.
Most of these companies produce different-sized batteries to fit in different electronic devices. For example, the battery size for your watch will always be smaller than your smartphone’s.
Surprisingly, using the right battery size and type can make a difference in your equipment’s lifespan and overall performance.
Therefore, we break down the different battery sizes to help you get maximum performance from your device.
Table of Contents
Common Battery Sizes
Batteries help supply electrical energy, and different sizes will work under specific circumstances. Check out the battery sizes below:
AA Batteries
(An AA battery)
AA batteries, known as double batteries, are the most popular battery sizes. Surprisingly, you can use double A batteries in cordless phones, staffing pagers, and thermometers.
Additionally, AA batteries provide 1.5V, making them perfect for high-current-draining electronics. Therefore, we recommend these batteries in electronics you won’t use constantly. Also, you can use them in electronics that draw little.
AAA Batteries
(An AAA battery)
We sometimes refer to these batteries as triple-A batteries. Surprisingly, they’re the second most popular batteries after the double As. You’ll find them in calculators, thermometers, and small toys. Also, you can use them in small electronics like kitchen timers, remote controls, and bathroom scales.
Like the AA batteries, the AAA batteries also have 1.5V when new. However, they’ll drain faster since they’re smaller than AA batteries. Therefore, we recommend them for electronics that don’t require a lot of energy.
AAAA Batteries
The AAAA batteries are smaller than the AA and AAA batteries. You’ll hear people refer to them as LR61 or Quadruple-A batteries. Amazingly, you can use these batteries to power small gadgets like glucose meters, computer styluses, LED penlights, and headphone amplifiers.
Although these batteries are small, we find them to be very powerful. You’ll find some remote controls using these batteries.
C Batteries
People refer to C batteries as C cell or LR14 batteries. Generally, they’re standard-size batteries that find application in medium applications like flashlights, musical instruments, and toys. Additionally, they find applications in sanitizer dispensers that require 1.5V to function.
Surprisingly, these batteries support heavy-duty applications that require frequent use. And since they guarantee safety and reliable power, you’ll find them in restrooms using battery-powered flush sensors.
D Batteries
We commonly refer to this battery as the IEC R20 or D cell. This is the standardized dry cell size. The battery finds application in electronics that need extended periods of power time. Therefore, you’ll find them in stereos, hand-free soap dispensers, and large flashlights.
Also, these batteries power most automatic paper towel dispensers. We guarantee you’ll get many hours of use when you purchase this battery.
9V Batteries
The 9V batteries are easy to identify thanks to their rectangular shape. As the name suggests, this battery supplies 9V when full. Therefore, it’s perfect for electronics that require more power and voltage. They can be used in battery-powered temperature alarms, electronic scales, and infrared thermometers.
Surprisingly, the 9V batteries are highly durable and have a longer shelf life. Also, they function well in a temperature range of 0 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
CR123A Batteries
Generally, you’ll find the CR123A batteries shorter than the AA batteries. However, they provide 3V when new, which is twice the voltage of AA batteries.
These batteries find common applications in wireless security, home automation, and tactical equipment.
Generally, CR123A batteries offer maximum performance and last longer than some batteries, thanks to the higher power-to-size ratio.
23A Batteries
We also refer to these batteries as A23, which deliver 12 volts. Their power can power your device for about 100 hours. Surprisingly, the batteries find application in small electronics like remotes, watches, and specialized medical devices.
These batteries were previously common in photoflash film cameras.
CR2032 Batteries
(A CR2032 battery)
The CR2032 battery is a small round battery that uniquely differs from the above options. Surprisingly, it delivers 3 volts when new. You can use them to power toys, calculators, watches, and medical devices.
Generally, the CR2032 batteries last long and provide a high weight-to-power ratio. Therefore, we recommend them for applications that require light batteries, like wristwatches.
Battery Types
Check the battery types below with their pros and cons:
Lithium Batteries
These are the most common batteries on the market. Surprisingly, they have the highest density, thus storing more energy than other battery options. However, they’re only sold in 9V, AA, and AAA sizes. Here, you can find AA lithium batteries with capacities as high as 2,700-3,400 mAh. Therefore, we guarantee the batteries will last longer.
Pros
- The batteries are perfect for heavy use
- They last longer than other options
- The batteries don’t leak and have a shelf life of 10-12 years
- They’re highly portable
- These batteries function well in extreme temperatures
Cons
- The batteries are highly flammable
- They aren’t available in bigger sizes like C and D
- You’ll find these batteries more expensive
Alkaline Batteries
(An alkaline battery)
We like alkaline batteries since they’re easy to dispose of. Surprisingly, they have a battery capacity of 2,500 mAh making them perfect for moderate to heavy-use electronics. Generally, alkaline batteries are more economical than lithium batteries.
Pros
- They have a shelf life of 5-10 years
- The batteries have a great price and high quality
- They’re easy to dispose of
- Have potassium hydroxide construction, making it long-lasting
- Works well even in extreme temperatures
Cons
- The devices work poorly in high-drain devices
- You’ll find the battery bulky
- Sometimes leaks render the electronic device unusable
Carbon Zinc Batteries
These batteries are cheap but with low energy density. Therefore, they won’t serve high-drain devices well.
Pros
- The batteries are cheap
- They’re available in different shapes and sizes
Cons
- They have a low energy density
- The batteries have a low shelf life
- They won’t work well in extreme temperatures
Silver Oxide Batteries
You’ll find these watches in use mainly in small devices like watches. Generally, the batteries are constructed with real silver.
Pros
- They have a high energy-to-weight ratio
- The batteries offer a long operating life
- They have a flat construction that functions well in compact devices
Cons
- You can’t use them in high-power applications thanks to expensive materials.
Zinc Air Batteries
These batteries generate electrical power after you expose them to oxygen. Therefore, you can’t use these batteries for your wristwatch. However, they find great applications in hearing aids.
Pros
- The batteries are cheap
- They provide a high energy density
- You can use them as replacements for highly toxic mercury batteries
Cons
- The batteries don’t work well under high humidity and temperature
- They experience a low battery life
Apart from the above batteries, you’ll also find rechargeable batteries like:
- Lithium-ion
- NiCd
- NiMH
FAQ
Does battery size affect battery life and capacity?
Yes! A larger battery has more capacity and high battery life. Although two batteries might have the same voltage, the larger one will have more capacity.
What are the three types of batteries?
You’ll come across three primary battery types. Surprisingly, these include nickel metal hydride, lithium-ion, and alkaline batteries.
What is the most common battery size?
Most household electronics use AA and AAA batteries. However, you might find other devices using AAAA, 9V, C, and D batteries.
Conclusion
With the high number of battery sizes and types on the market, check your device specification before purchasing.
Surprisingly, there is at least a battery size and type for every electronic device. However, you’ll find AA batteries the most electronic batteries.
Remember, the larger a battery is, the higher its capacity. Generally, sticking to the right battery size and type ensures optimal performance.