# Battery sizes **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 12, 2017, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955 "2017-01-12T13:56:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/1 "2017-01-12T13:56:13Z")
[http://demo.gpbattery.com/int/index.php?option=com\_k2&view=item&id=357&Itemid=501](http://demo.gpbattery.com/int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=357&Itemid=501) Is there any rhyme or reason to the naming convention used in identifying battery sizes? Common batteries found in grocery stores include: AA AAA, C, D, and 9 volt sizes. What happened to B? And what makes the letter ‘A’ so special it gets _several_ batteries named in its honor? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/2 "2017-01-12T14:03:36Z")
[The Master Speaks.](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/943/how-come-you-never-see-any-b-batteries) ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/3 "2017-01-12T14:11:13Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > [The Master Speaks.](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/943/how-come-you-never-see-any-b-batteries) That partially explains it, but still don’t understand ANSI’s rationale for designating double and triple A’s, as opposed to assigning each its own letter. In other words, why no double or triple C’s for example? ANSI undoubtedly had a rational basis for setting it up the way they did nearly a century ago, but whatever guiding principle they used is not obvious to this casual observer. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/4 "2017-01-12T14:34:46Z")
Originally there were no AA or AAA, etc. It was just A, B, C, D, E, etc. generally going up in size. As electronics got smaller, they needed smaller batteries. What’s smaller than A? There’s no letter before A, so how about AA? What’s smaller than AA? Um, how about AAA? That’s how the letter doubling got started. B batteries fell out of common use. F batteries stuck around for a while, and used to be common inside lantern batteries (basically four F cells in a square-ish box). These days many lantern batteries use smaller C or D batteries and spacers (cheap bastards). If you need a smaller battery than a D, you just use a C, so there’s no need for new double-letter batteries for the larger sizes. ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/5 "2017-01-12T14:53:02Z")
The prevalence/popularity of smaller batteries argues for ‘recalibrating’ the whole battery nomenclature system IMHO, but perhaps this is a QWERTY or US-metric type phenomenon, where changing battery nomenclature at this point would be likely to confuse and anger consumers . ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/6 "2017-01-12T14:55:38Z")
Lithium batteries are specified in Metric: e.g. - 18650 for 18mm diameter and 65 mm long. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/7 "2017-01-12T15:17:06Z")
You can also get AAAA batteries if you need them: [![](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AAA_AAA_AAAA_A23_battery_comparison-1.jpg) ](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AAA_AAA_AAAA_A23_battery_comparison-1.jpg) People sometimes claim that a 9V battery contains six of these. Actually, it contains six “LR61” cells which are just slightly smaller, and will actually fit in most places where you want an AAAA. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/8 "2017-01-12T15:32:00Z")
And, of course, wiki has a list of battery sizes: > **[List of battery sizes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_battery_sizes)** > > This is a list of the sizes, shapes, and general characteristics of some common primary and secondary battery types in household, automotive and light industrial use. > The complete nomenclature for a battery specifies size, chemistry, terminal arrangement, and special characteristics. The same physically interchangeable cell size or battery size may have widely different characteristics; physical interchangeability is not the sole factor in substituting a battery. > The full battery designation... ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/9 "2017-01-12T15:46:35Z")
They were originally named after the baseball minor leagues. As in, “the outfielder was sent down to 9V ball.” ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/10 "2017-01-12T16:01:27Z")
> [@Cardigan](#): > > The prevalence/popularity of smaller batteries argues for ‘recalibrating’ the whole battery nomenclature system IMHO, but perhaps this is a QWERTY or US-metric type phenomenon, where changing battery nomenclature at this point would be likely to confuse and anger consumers . You can use the IEC nomenclature if it makes you feel better. Good luck convincing other folks to use it though. People are gonna look at you funny if you ask for an LR6 battery instead of a AA. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/11 "2017-01-12T19:14:35Z")
I have a laser pointer that came with a rechargeable size-N battery. First I’ve ever seen. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/12 "2017-01-12T19:42:46Z")
> [@yabob](#): > > And, of course, wiki has a list of battery sizes: > > [List of battery sizes - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_battery_sizes) The battery lists never include the ones we used at work, the “X” cell. A bit larger than a “D” cell. They were sealed lead-acid and put out 2 volts. [http://www.microbattery.com/cyclon-x-cell-0800-0004-sealed-lead-acid-battery-2v-5ah](http://www.microbattery.com/cyclon-x-cell-0800-0004-sealed-lead-acid-battery-2v-5ah) Dennis ---
**Author:** ![Cartoonacy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/848f3c/32.png) [@Cartoonacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartoonacy)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/13 "2017-01-12T19:52:11Z")
What’s the advantage, if any, to larger battery sizes like C and D? They each put out the same 1.5v as a AA or AAA cell. Do they have a longer life? ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/14 "2017-01-12T20:01:07Z")
> [@Cartoonacy](#): > > What’s the advantage, if any, to larger battery sizes like C and D? They each put out the same 1.5v as a AA or AAA cell. Do they have a longer life? They have more capacity, so they will last longer in a similar application. It’s like having a car with a 5 gallon gas tank vs one with a 10 gallon tank. Same performance characteristics (assuming the same battery chemistry) but more capacity. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/15 "2017-01-12T20:19:11Z")
B Batteries are still used to run the B: drive on Windows computers. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/16 "2017-01-12T20:25:14Z")
The one I always chuckle about is the 1/2 AA battery. It’s literally a AA battery that’s only half as long. Apple used to use them as PRAM batteries in their older Mac computers like the original iMac. They were equivalent to the CR2032 batteries you see on most PC motherboards powering a CMOS. So you go from A, to AA, to 1/2 AA. I’d love to see a Micro 1/2 AA someday. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/17 "2017-01-12T20:42:28Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > These days many lantern batteries use smaller C or D batteries and spacers (cheap bastards). Does anyone actually use lantern batteries anymore? What with cheap super-bright LED flashlights they seem kinda pointless. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/18 "2017-01-12T21:04:27Z")
> [@friedo](#): > > Does anyone actually use lantern batteries anymore? What with cheap super-bright LED flashlights they seem kinda pointless. What about cheap LED lanterns: [http://www.homedepot.com/p/Eveready-Industrial-Floating-LED-Battery-Powered-Lantern-5109LSH15/202802196](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Eveready-Industrial-Floating-LED-Battery-Powered-Lantern-5109LSH15/202802196) A smaller LED flashlight might be bright, but it’s sometimes nice to have the 6V hand lantern which lights up a larger area. ---
**Author:** ![Isilder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@Isilder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isilder)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/19 "2017-01-12T22:47:34Z")
> [@Cardigan](#): > > sizes AA AAA, C, D, Obviously copying from bra sizes - why ? boobs and batteries provide energy and start with b. Why they didn’t just go with Z, Y , X … or for the bra’s, N for nipple restraints. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2017, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955/20 "2017-01-12T23:04:04Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > They have more capacity, so they will last longer in a similar application. It’s like having a car with a 5 gallon gas tank vs one with a 10 gallon tank. Same performance characteristics (assuming the same battery chemistry) but more capacity. Just look at the volume difference. In olden times, when NiCd batteries were all the rage, an AA battery was something like 600mAh, and a D-cell was 8,000mAh. The problem was, they were so expensive that people wouldn’t pay for the extra capacity, so they started to put c-cells in a D package, which was much cheaper, but also much lower capacity. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955.md?page=2)