How to Read Battery Codes: CR, LR, AA, and More

Wiki Article

Ever looked at a battery and wondered what all those letters and numbers mean? You’re not alone! Battery codes can be confusing at first, but once you learn what the letters stand for, it becomes much easier to pick the right one for your needs. Whether you're replacing batteries in a remote or trying to figure out what your flashlight takes, these quick tips can help you make sense of it all. To explore more helpful tips and tools, click here.

Let’s start with the common AA and AAA batteries. These are standard-size batteries that most of us use in everyday items like remotes, toys, and wall clocks. They don’t have extra letters in front by themselves, but you might see something like LR6 or LR03 on them. Those are just manufacturer codes—LR means the battery is alkaline, and the numbers indicate the size. For example, LR6 is the code for an AA alkaline battery, and LR03 is for AAA.

CR codes usually show up on round, flat batteries like the ones you find in watches, key fobs, and small gadgets. The "C" stands for lithium chemistry, and "R" means it's round. So a CR2032 battery is round, lithium-based, and roughly 20mm wide and 3.2mm tall.

You might also spot things like SR and PR on coin cell batteries. "SR" indicates a silver oxide battery, and "PR" means it uses zinc-air—often found in hearing aids. Each of these battery types works better depending on the gadget it powers. Silver oxide lasts longer and is more stable, which makes it great for watches and medical devices.

Rechargeable batteries often begin with "Ni" like NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) or NiCd (nickel-cadmium). These types are better for devices that get a lot of use since you can recharge them many times.

So the next time you're picking out batteries, take a second to look at those tiny codes. They tell you about the battery’s size, shape, and the chemicals it uses—all of which matter for how well it will perform in your devices.

Learning what those letters and numbers mean can save you time and help make sure your gadgets run more smoothly. Plus, it never hurts to feel like a bit of a battery expert next time someone needs help with their flashlight!