When it comes to batteries, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Different devices—from tiny hearing aids to large flashlights and power tools—require specific cell dimensions and chemistries. This battery size chart helps you understand common and uncommon cell sizes, along with their approximate dimensions and weights.
It’s important to note that not all the sizes listed here are readily available off-the-shelf. Specialized battery manufacturers can produce custom sizes upon request.
Understanding Battery Size Standards
Batteries are classified under international standards so that users can easily identify and replace them. However, these naming conventions can be a bit confusing because different standards coexist, and not all manufacturers follow the same system.
- IEC Standard (International Electrotechnical Commission):
The IEC provides a globally recognized system for naming batteries, ensuring uniformity across markets. While it is internationally valid, using the IEC code is voluntary, which means you may not always see it on consumer batteries. - ANSI Standard (American National Standards Institute):
Previously, ANSI naming was widely used in the U.S. Although ANSI has retired many of its old designations, some names—like AA or AAA—remain common as size references, even when the chemistry has changed. - JIS Standard (Japanese Industrial Standard):
Similar to ANSI, the JIS system has become less relevant today, but its legacy designations can still be found in certain regions or on older products.
For example, the designation AA originally referred to an R6 zinc-carbon cell with natural manganese dioxide. Today, “AA” is universally understood as a size category, and you can compare it with other sizes in the Battery Size Chart, regardless of whether the battery is alkaline, lithium, NiMH, or NiCad.
Key Factors in the Battery Size Chart and Battery Specifications
When comparing battery sizes, it’s not just about diameter and length. Several other factors play a crucial role:
- Weight: Depends heavily on the chemistry (Alkaline, NiCad, NiMH, Lithium, etc.) and the manufacturer’s design.
- Capacity (mAh): Determines how long a battery can power a device before needing replacement or recharge.
- Terminal Style: Some cells have flat tops, while others include protruding caps that increase the effective length.
- Manufacturer Tolerances: Dimensions can vary slightly, often by up to 1 mm, depending on production standards.
Battery Size Chart of Common Sizes and Variants
Below are some of the standard cylindrical and prismatic cell sizes used across electronics. The chart includes approximate dimensions and typical weights, though actual values may vary.
Note: The weights listed are approximate references. Do not compare weights across different chemistries directly, as material density and design vary.
The following Battery Size Chart lists dimensions, weights, and typical battery types for quick reference.
Battery Size Chart for Cylindrical Cells (Examples)
| Cell Size | Diameter (mm) | Length (mm) | Alkaline Weight (g) | NiCad Weight (g) | NiMH Weight (g) |
| AAAA | 8.4 | 40.2 | 6 | 10 | 10 |
| AAA | 10.5 | 44.5 | 12 | 10 | 13 |
| AA | 14.2 | 50 | 24 | 21 | 27 |
| C | 26 | 46 | 65 | 72 | 80 |
| D | 33 | 58 | 135 | 105–145 | 105–160 |
| F | 33 | 91.2 | 231 | — | 255 |
Battery Size Chart for Sub-C & Intermediate Cells
| Cell Type | Diameter (mm) | Length (mm) | Alkaline Weight (g) | NiCad Weight (g) | NiMH Weight (g) |
| Sub-C (SC) | 23 | 43 | 52 | 55 | — |
| 1/2 C | 26 | 24 | — | 31 | 34 |
| 2/3 D | 33 | 43.4 | — | 98–105 | 115 |
Large & Specialty Cell Sizes
| Cell Type | Diameter/Dimensions | Length (mm) | Weight |
| G | 32 mm | 105 | 181 g |
| J | 32 mm | 150 | 272 g |
| 6 Cell | 67 mm | 172 | 998 g |
| Super F | 41.4 mm | 89.1 | 393–425 g |
Prismatic Cells
Unlike cylindrical batteries, prismatic cells are flat and rectangular. They are commonly used in slim devices like mobile phones, tablets, and compact electronics.
| Type | Dimensions (mm) | Approx. Weight |
| F3 Prismatic | 5.6 × 16.5 × 22 | 8 g |
| F6 Prismatic | 5.6 × 16.5 × 48 | 18 g |
| F8 Prismatic | 5.6 × 16.5 × 66 | 25 g |
Key Takeaways
- The Battery Size Chart shows that designations like AA, AAA, C, and D mainly describe physical dimensions, not the chemistry.
- Weights and capacities differ widely between Alkaline, NiMH, NiCad, and Lithium batteries, even within the same size.
- Not all sizes listed are available in retail stores—some are specialized and manufactured only for industrial or custom applications.
- For accurate replacement, always check the voltage, chemistry, and capacity requirements of your device in addition to the size.
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