LR44 vs 357 battery: Are They Interchangeable?

When it comes to small button cell batteries, compatibility is crucial. The LR44 and 357 are two commonly used types in devices like calculators and watches, but can they be interchanged? Let's examine the key differences.

LR44 AG13 357 batteries fitting size issue solved

What Are LR44 and 357 Batteries?

LR44 battery: LR44 is a common 1.5V alkaline button battery commonly found in watches, remote controls, toys, and other low-power devices.

357 Battery: The 357 is a 1.55V silver oxide button battery that is commonly used in devices that require a precise and stable power output, such as medical instruments and high-performance electronics.

LR44 vs 357 battery specifications

LR44 vs 357: Dimensions

LR44 Battery Dimensions

357 Battery Dimensions

Key Differences Between LR44 and 357 Battery

Although the two batteries look similar, they differ significantly in several ways that can affect the device's performance：

Voltage and chemical composition

LR44: 1.5V alkaline battery for low-power devices. Because its chemical composition is relatively simple, the price is cheap.

357: 1.55V silver oxide battery provides a more stable voltage output for devices that require a precise power supply.

Battery life and capacity

LR44: With a capacity of about 110-130mAh, it is usually suitable for devices with lower power consumption and relatively short battery life.

357: Capacity of about 150mAh, long life, especially suitable for high-precision equipment, such as high-end watches or medical equipment.

Application scenario

LR44: Suitable for everyday low-power devices, such as calculators, ordinary watches, laser Pointers, small toys, etc.

357: Often used in devices that require a stable power supply for a long time, such as high-end watches, cameras, hearing AIDS, etc.

Price

LR44: Inexpensive, suitable for scenarios where the budget is limited or the device does not require a stable power supply for a long time.

357: More expensive, but because of its long life and stable performance, suitable for equipment with high battery demand.

Are LR44 and 357 batteries interchangeable?

Although the button battery lr44 vs 357 are the same size (11.6 mm in diameter and 5.4 mm in height), they are not interchangeable in all cases due to differences in voltage and chemical composition.

When can it be used interchangeably?

Low-power devices: such as calculators, toys, remote controls, etc., these devices do not require high voltage, LR44 battery and 357 are usually interchangeable, and the performance difference is not large.

Temporary replacement: If the LR44 battery is not available, the 357 battery can be used as a temporary replacement, and may last slightly longer because the 357 battery has a larger capacity.

When should you not use them interchangeably?

High-precision equipment: such as high-end watches, hearing AIDS, etc., these devices require stable voltage output, and 357 batteries are suitable for such needs due to their more stable voltage and longer life.

Voltage sensitive devices: For some medical devices, although the voltage difference is only 0.05V, this difference may affect the device performance, so it is best to use the battery recommended by the manufacturer.

How to choose the right battery?

Check the device manual: The device manual specifies the recommended battery type to ensure that the correct battery is selected.

Consider voltage stability: If the device requires high voltage stability (such as high-end watches or medical devices), choose a 357 battery.

Refer to the cross-matching chart: If you are not sure which battery is suitable, check the online cross-matching chart to make sure you choose the right battery.

Conclusion

The LR44 and 357 batteries are similar in appearance but differ in voltage, capacity, and chemical composition. In most low-power devices, they are interchangeable. However, for those high-precision devices that require high voltage stability (such as high-end watches and medical devices), 357 batteries are more suitable. Understanding the characteristics of these batteries will help you make the most suitable choice to ensure the stable operation of your device.