LR44 Equivalent Batteries - A Simple Guide

You open the back of a toy, thermometer, or small gadget, and see a shiny little button battery labeled LR44 battery. You head to the store or search online-only to find a confusing mix of names like AG13, A76, 357, and SR44. Are they all the same? Can you safely use them instead of an LR44 attery equivalent ?

This article is here to clear up the confusion, help you make smart choices, and save time (and money) the next time you need to replace that tiny but important battery.

What Is the LR44 Battery?

LR44 Battery Overview

The LR44 battery is a small alkaline button cell battery with a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts. It is also known as an AG13, A76, or 357A battery, as these variants share the same dimensions and voltage, but differ by manufacturer naming conventions.
This type of battery is commonly used in small electronic devices such as:

• Digital thermometers
• Calculators
• Laser pointers
• Toys
• Watches

The LR44 battery has a diameter of 11.6 mm and a height of 5.4 mm, making it compact yet powerful enough for many low-drain and mid-drain applications. Because of its size, affordability, and availability, it has become one of the most widely used button batteries in consumer electronics. 

LR44 Battery Specifications

• Type: Button-cell battery
• Nominal Voltage: 1.5V
• Capacity: Typically ranges from 90mAh to 150mAh depending on manufacturer and quality
• Chemistry: Alkaline, using manganese dioxide (MnO₂) as the cathode material
• Diameter: 11.6 mm
• Height: 5.4 mm

These characteristics make LR44 batteries ideal for short bursts of energy in compact devices, particularly those that don't draw a continuous heavy current.

Different Names for the Same Battery: LR44, AG13, A76 Explained

One of the most confusing parts about LR44 is that different manufacturers use different codes for what is essentially the same size battery. Here's a quick translation chart:

they're interchangeable in size, butnot always in performance.

LR44 vs. 357: Performance Makes a Difference

The most important distinction is inbattery chemistry.

• LR44, AG13, A76: Alkaline batteries. Cheaper, but voltage drops gradually as the battery drains.

• SR44, 357: Silver oxide batteries. Slightly more expensive, but more stable power and longer life.

When to choose alkaline (LR44):

• Toys

• Flashing lights

• Low-cost items

When to choose silver oxide (357/SR44):

• Watches

• Medical tools (thermometers, glucometers)

• Calculators or precision tools

Think of it this way:Alkaline = economy,Silver Oxide = performance.

Quick Comparison Summary

Battery Code	Type	Can Replace LR44?	Best For
AG13	Alkaline	Yes	Toys, flashlights
A76	Alkaline	Yes	Household electronics
SR44	Silver oxide	Yes	Watches, precision tools
357	Silver oxide	Yes	Thermometers, medical devices
LIR44	Rechargeable	No	Voltage too high (3.6V)

Buying Tips: What to Look for

Whether you're buying online or in a local shop, here are some things to keep in mind:

✅ Choose well-known brands: Duracell, Energizer, Maxell, Panasonic
✅ For medical and precision tools, go with silver oxide
✅ For budget or single-use items, alkaline is just fine
✅ Avoid "bulk packs" with no label-they often have poor quality or are near expiration

LR44 Battery FAQs

1. What is an LR44 battery used for?

An LR44 battery is commonly used in small electronic devices such as digital thermometers, calculators, laser pointers, toys, and watches due to its compact size and 1.5V output.

2. What is the voltage of an LR44 battery?

The nominal voltage of an LR44 battery is 1.5 volts, which is standard for most alkaline button cell batteries.

3. What is the capacity of an LR44 battery?

Depending on the manufacturer, the LR44 battery typically has a capacity ranging from 150 mAh to 200 mAh, sufficient for low-drain or intermittent-use devices.

4. How long does an LR44 battery last?

Battery life depends on device usage and power draw. In general, an LR44 battery lasts from several months up to a year under normal usage.

5. Can you recharge an LR44 battery?

No. LR44 batteries are non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. Attempting to recharge them can cause leakage, overheating, or even explosion.

6. Are LR44 and AG13 batteries the same thing?

Yes. LR44 and AG13 are interchangeable. They have the same size and voltage, but use different codes depending on brand or region.

7. Can LR44 batteries be recycled?

Yes. LR44 batteries should be recycled to avoid environmental harm. Dispose of them at designated battery recycling bins or follow your local regulations for battery disposal.