The LR44 battery is one of the most commonly used button cell batteries, found in a wide range of small electronic devices such as watches, laser pointers, calculators, and toys. Because it’s so ubiquitous, users often seek LR44 battery equivalents when replacements are needed. This article provides a complete technical overview of the LR44 battery, its specifications, compatible equivalents, and guidance on proper use and substitution.
What is an LR44 Battery?
The LR44 is an alkaline button cell battery that delivers 1.5 volts. It belongs to the IEC 60086 standard classification for miniature alkaline batteries. The “L” indicates an alkaline chemistry, while “R44” specifies the round shape and size (11.6 mm diameter × 5.4 mm height).
These batteries are designed for low-drain continuous discharge applications, such as powering clocks, small LED lights, and digital thermometers.
LR44 Battery Technical Specifications
|
Parameter |
Value |
|
Battery Type |
Alkaline Button Cell |
|
Nominal Voltage |
1.5 V |
|
Nominal Capacity |
110–150 mAh |
|
Chemical System |
Zinc–Manganese Dioxide (Zn/MnO₂) |
|
Diameter |
11.6 mm |
|
Height |
5.4 mm |
|
Operating Temperature Range |
-10°C to +60°C |
|
Typical Weight |
1.9 g |
|
Common Applications |
Watches, Calculators, Toys, Laser pointers, Digital thermometers |
LR44 Battery Equivalent and Replacement Chart
The LR44 is known by many equivalent names across brands and standards. Here are the most common cross-references:
|
Standard / Brand |
Equivalent Model |
|
IEC |
LR44 |
|
ANSI |
1166A |
|
Duracell |
76A |
|
Energizer |
A76 |
|
Panasonic |
LR44 |
|
Maxell |
LR44 |
|
Varta |
V13GA |
|
Sony |
LR44 |
|
Renata |
LR44 |
|
GP |
GP76A |
|
Rayovac |
RW82 |
|
Other Equivalents |
AG13, L1154, G13A, GPA76 |
AG13 and LR44 are the same battery under different naming conventions. A76 (Energizer) and 76A (Duracell) are direct equivalents.
LR44 vs SR44: Are They the Same?
No — LR44 and SR44 batteries are similar in size and shape but differ in chemistry and performance:
|
Parameter |
LR44 (Alkaline) |
SR44 (Silver Oxide) |
|
Nominal Voltage |
1.5 V |
1.55 V |
|
Capacity |
110–150 mAh |
150–200 mAh |
|
Voltage Stability |
Decreases over time |
Stable output |
|
Shelf Life |
~3 years |
~5 years |
|
Cost |
Cheaper |
More expensive |
Conclusion: You can temporarily replace an SR44 with an LR44, but for precision devices (e.g., cameras, watches), use SR44 for better performance and voltage stability.
Can CR2032 Replace LR44?
No, you generally cannot replace an LR44 with a CR2032 because they have different sizes and voltages. A CR2032 is a larger, 3-volt lithium battery, while an LR44 is a smaller, 1.5-volt alkaline battery, so they are not physically interchangeable and the voltage difference could damage the device.
Key differences between CR2032 and LR44
Voltage: A CR2032 has a voltage of 3V, while an LR44 has a voltage of 1.5V.
Chemistry: CR2032 is a lithium battery, while LR44 is an alkaline battery.
Size: A CR2032 is larger, measuring 20mm x 3.2mm, whereas an LR44 is smaller at 11.6mm x 5.4mm.
Check details here: CR2032 vs LR44: What are Differences
Why you should not interchange them
Physical incompatibility: Due to their different dimensions, a CR2032 will not fit into a device designed for an LR44.
Electrical incompatibility: The higher voltage of the CR2032 could potentially damage a device that is designed for the lower 1.5V of an LR44.
Pinout and Dimensions
The LR44 battery doesn’t have conventional “pins” like integrated circuits but does have two terminals:
● Positive (+): Flat side (top)
● Negative (-): Rounded bottom side (case body)
Physical dimensions:
● Diameter: 11.6 mm
● Height: 5.4 mm
This standard dimension is shared among equivalents like A76 and AG13.
Typical Applications of LR44 Battery
● Digital thermometers
● Laser pointers
● Watches and clocks
● LED flashlights
● Small toys
● Remote controls
● Calculators
● Medical devices (e.g., blood glucose meters)
Advantages of LR44 Battery
● Widely available and affordable
● Compact size
● Easy to replace (standardized size)
● Suitable for low- to medium-drain devices
● Environmentally safer than older mercury cells
Limitations of LR44 Battery
● Voltage drops gradually over time
● Shorter lifespan compared to silver oxide equivalents
● Can leak if left discharged for too long
● Not ideal for precision instruments or high-drain applications
Safety and Handling Tips
● Always check polarity before installation.
● Store in a cool, dry place to prevent leakage.
● Do not mix old and new batteries.
● Avoid recharging alkaline button cells.
● Dispose of used cells properly; do not incinerate.
Equivalent Battery Types You Can Use
If LR44 is not available, you can use the following equivalents:
● AG13, A76, L1154, G13A, V13GA, or 357/303 (for silver oxide variant SR44). Always verify voltage and chemistry before replacement to ensure compatibility.
FAQ About LR44 Battery Equivalents
1. What battery can replace an LR44? You can use AG13, A76, L1154, or 357 (silver oxide) batteries as direct replacements.
2. Is LR44 the same as AG13? Yes. LR44 and AG13 are identical in size and specifications, just labeled differently by manufacturers.
3. Can I replace LR44 with SR44? Yes, SR44 works as a higher-performance substitute, especially in devices needing consistent voltage.
4. What Duracell battery is equivalent to LR44? Duracell’s 76A battery is the direct equivalent.
5. Are LR44 and 357 batteries the same? 357 is a silver oxide version (SR44). They are physically interchangeable but have different chemistries.
6. What voltage is an LR44 battery? The LR44 provides 1.5 volts nominal output.
7. How long does an LR44 battery last? Shelf life is about 2–3 years, depending on storage conditions and device usage.
Conclusion
The LR44 battery is one of the most versatile and easily replaceable button cells in the market. It powers countless small electronics and has many equivalents such as AG13, A76, L1154, and V13GA. However, users seeking longer life and consistent performance should consider SR44 (silver oxide) alternatives. Whether for consumer electronics or precision instruments, understanding the proper LR44 equivalents ensures optimal performance and cost efficiency.