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Introduction
The LR44 battery is one of the most commonly used button-cell batteries, powering a wide range of everyday electronics such as watches, toys, calculators, and even medical devices. Because it is so widely available under different names, users often wonder about its equivalents, performance differences, and best replacement choices.
This guide breaks down the LR44 battery’s specifications, common alternatives, performance comparisons, and tips to help you choose the most reliable option for your device.
What is an LR44 Battery?
The LR44 is a 1.5V alkaline button cell designed for compact devices that require steady, long-lasting power. With a diameter of 11.6 mm and a height of 5.4 mm, it fits neatly into small electronics without compromising performance.
Common Applications of LR44 Batteries
Thanks to its versatility, the LR44 is used in:
- ✔ Wristwatches – for accurate and extended operation
- ✔ Toys & gadgets – where compact power sources are needed
- ✔ Calculators – ensuring dependable daily use
- ✔ Medical devices – such as thermometers, glucometers, and hearing aids where precision is essential
Why Equivalents Matter
The LR44 is produced by many brands and often sold under alternative names like AG13, A76, 357, or SR44. Understanding these equivalents is important to:
- Ensure correct device compatibility
- Maintain reliable performance
- Prevent mismatches and leakage issues
- Extend device lifespan, especially in medical or precision tools
LR44 Battery Specifications
- Voltage
- Nominal output: 1.5V (alkaline)
- Provides steady power for low-drain devices
- Size & Dimensions
- 11.6 mm (diameter) × 5.4 mm (height)
- Compact enough for watches, calculators, and small gadgets
- Chemistry Options
- Alkaline (LR44):Most affordable and widely available; shorter lifespan
- Silver Oxide (SR44):Stable 1.55V, longer-lasting, and preferred for sensitive electronics like cameras and medical tools
LR44 battery datasheet from Murata
Equivalent Names & Interchangeable Options
Common Alkaline Equivalents
- AG13:Most widely recognized equivalent
- A76 / 76A:Duracell’s designation
- L1154 / LR1154:Brand-specific or regional label
- Other codes:V13GA, PX76A, SG13, LR154, RW82, G13, etc.
Silver Oxide Alternatives
- SR44:Direct silver oxide replacement
- 357 (SR44W):Common in watches and cameras
- 303 (SR44SW):Low-drain silver oxide version, optimized for devices with steady, minimal energy needs
LR44 vs. Silver Oxide – Performance Comparison
| Feature | LR44 (Alkaline) | SR44 / 357 / 303 (Silver Oxide) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Zinc–Manganese dioxide | Silver oxide–Zinc |
| Nominal Voltage | ~1.50 V (declines) | ~1.55 V (stable) |
| Capacity | 110–150 mAh | 150–200 mAh |
| Lifespan | Shorter | Longer, consistent |
| Shelf Life | 3–5 years, higher leakage risk | 5–10 years, low leakage |
| Cost | Lower | Higher but better for precision devices |
bettlink Note: According to IEC 60086-2, LR = alkaline, SR = silver oxide
Choosing the Right Battery
When to Use Alkaline Equivalents
- Low-drain or short-term devices (toys, LED lights, calculators, small remotes)
- Affordable and widely available
- Suitable when frequent replacements are acceptable
When to Use Silver Oxide Versions
- High-precision or sensitive electronics (watches, medical tools, cameras)
- Longer lifespan and consistent voltage
- Best choice when replacements are inconvenient
Trusted Brands & Buying Tips
Recommended Brands
- Energizer– Reliable and globally available
- Duracell– Strong alkaline and silver oxide options
- Panasonic– Durable, long-lasting performance
- Renata– Swiss-made, ideal for watches
- Varta– German-engineered with excellent shelf life
How to Identify Genuine Batteries
- Check packaging:Counterfeits often have blurry print or spelling errors
- Look for expiry dates:Authentic brands mark “best before” clearly
- Weight & feel:Real batteries are slightly heavier and more solid
- Test voltage:Cheap batteries may show lower-than-expected readings
Bulk vs. Single Packs
- Bulk packs:Cost-effective for frequent use (toys, remotes, calculators)
- Single packs:Better for sensitive electronics where freshness matters
Quick Reference Table
| Scenario | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Everyday toys, calculators | LR44 / AG13 / A76 (alkaline) |
| Watches, medical devices, precision tools | SR44 / 357 / 303 (silver oxide) |
| Emergency replacement | Any alkaline equivalent |
| Long shelf life or low temperatures | Silver oxide |
| Cost-effective use in simple gadgets | Alkaline |
| Protecting delicate electronics from leakage | Silver oxide |
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a 357 battery instead of an LR44?
Yes. The 357 is the silver oxide version of LR44, offering longer life and stable voltage.
Q2: Are LR44 and AG13 batteries the same?
Yes. They are identical in size and voltage, just sold under different codes.
Q3: What devices use LR44 batteries?
Common in watches, calculators, toys, thermometers, LED lights, and small medical devices.
Q4: Can I replace LR44 with an AA battery?
No. Despite both being 1.5V, AA batteries are much larger and won’t fit.
Q5: What is the capacity of an LR44?
- Alkaline LR44:~110–130 mAh
- Silver Oxide SR44/357:~150–200 mAh
Final Thoughts
The LR44 is a versatile and widely available button cell, but choosing the right equivalent is crucial for device performance. Alkaline versions (LR44, AG13, A76) are great for everyday, low-drain devices, while silver oxide versions (SR44, 357, 303) are recommended for precision electronics that require stable and long-lasting power.
AG13/A76/LR44 Watch battery Equivalent
