LR44 vs. 357: Can They Be Swapped?

When it comes to small button cell batteries, compatibility and interchangeability are often key concerns. Calculators, watches, and other small electrical gadgets usually employ two common types: the LR44 and the 357. But can these two types be swapped out for each other? Let's take a closer look.

LR44 AG13 357 batteries fitting size issue solved

Introduction

Button cell batteries play a crucial role in powering a variety of small electronic devices, from watches and calculators to medical instruments and toys. Among these, LR44 and 357 batteries are widely used and often compared due to their similar size and appearance. Despite their physical similarities, these batteries have distinct chemical compositions, voltage ratings, and performance characteristics.

LR44 Battery Overview

The LR44 battery, sometimes referred to as the AG13 or A76, is a 1.5 volt nominal voltage tiny zinc-manganese alkaline button cell battery. It measures approximately 11.6 millimeters in diameter and 5.4 millimeters in height. The LR44 battery is widely used in a wide variety of tiny electronic devices, including watches, calculators, laser pointers, toys, and more. It is renowned for being affordable, dependable, and readily available.

357 Battery Overview

The 357 battery is a silver oxide button cell battery having a nominal voltage of 1.55 volts. It goes by the names SR44, SR44W, and AG13 as well. It has the same diameter as the LR44 battery, approximately 11.6 millimeters, but is slightly taller, with a height of around 5.4 to 5.8 millimeters. The 357 battery is widely used in watches, calculators, cameras, and other devices requiring a reliable power source.

LR44 vs. 357: Specification Comparison

Understanding Equivalents of the 357 Battery

When it comes to button cell batteries, navigating the various names and equivalents can be confusing. SR44, SR44W, and AG13 are other names for the 357 battery, which has a nominal voltage of 1.55 volts and is a widely used battery type. However, there are several other designations and equivalents for the 357 battery, including the 357A, LR44, MS76, A613, and GPA76. Let's examine these alternatives in more detail to find out about their compatibility and application cases.

- 357A Battery Equivalent:

Both the 357 and 357A batteries are silver-oxide batteries that are frequently found in watches, calculators, and other tiny electronic devices. They are nearly identical. The 357A designation is often used by specific manufacturers or in certain regions, but it refers to the same type of battery as the 357.

- 357 Battery Same as LR44:

With a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts, which is marginally less than the 357 battery's 1.55 volts, the LR44 battery is an alkaline battery. While the LR44 and 357 batteries are not exactly the same, they are often considered interchangeable in many devices due to their similar size and voltage. However, using them interchangeably may affect the performance of the device, and it's always best to use the specific type of battery recommended by the manufacturer.

- LR44 357 Battery Same:

As mentioned above, the LR44 and 357 batteries are similar but not exactly the same. Although they have distinct chemistries and voltages, which may affect performance, they can be used interchangeably in some devices. It's important to use the correct type of battery for optimal performance.

- Battery MS76:

The MS76 battery is another designation for the same type of battery as the 357. Like the other names mentioned, MS76 is often used interchangeably with 357 based on manufacturer or regional preferences. It is important to note that these are all equivalent batteries and can be used in place of one another in many devices.

- Battery A613:

The A613 battery is yet another designation for the 357 battery, often used by specific manufacturers or in certain regions. It refers to the same type of battery as the 357 and can be used interchangeably in devices that require a 357 battery.

- GPA76 Battery Equivalent Duracell:

The GPA76 battery is a designation used by Duracell for the 357 battery. When it comes to devices that need a 357 battery, Duracell's GPA76 is interchangeable with the 357 battery.

In conclusion, the 357 battery is known by various names and equivalents, including 357A, LR44, MS76, A613, and GPA76. Even though these batteries are comparable and frequently work interchangeably with a variety of devices, it's crucial to use the exact battery type that the manufacturer of the item recommends for best results.

LR44 vs. 357: Difference in Features

Key Features of LR44 Batteries

LR44 batteries, also known as AG13 or A76 batteries, are commonly used in small electronic devices. They have several key features, including:

• Manganese Dioxide Chemistry: LR44 batteries use manganese dioxide as the positive electrode material, which provides a stable voltage output over most of the battery's discharge cycle.

• Stable Discharge Characteristics: LR44 batteries exhibit stable discharge characteristics, meaning they deliver a consistent level of power throughout their lifespan, making them suitable for devices that require a steady power supply.

• Leakage Resistance: LR44 batteries are designed to be leakage-resistant, reducing the risk of damage to devices in case of a battery failure.

• High Energy Density: LR44 batteries pack a fair lot of power for their size thanks to their comparatively high energy density.

• Easily Accessible: LR44 batteries are frequently utilized in a wide range of products, including watches, calculators, toys, and medical equipment.

• Low Self-Discharge: Because LR44 batteries have a low self-discharge rate, you can store them for a long time without worrying about them running out of charge.

• Cost-Effective: Murata Electronics LR44 batteries are an affordable power source for a variety of uses because of their low cost.

Key Features of 357 Batteries

The 357 battery, also known as SR44 or SR44W, is a silver oxide button cell battery commonly used in small electronic devices. Here are some of its key features:

• Chemical System: The 357 battery uses a silver oxide chemistry, which provides a stable voltage output and a long shelf life.

• Nominal Voltage: The nominal voltage of a 357 battery is typically 1.55 volts, making it suitable for devices that require a stable power supply.

• Capacity: The typical capacity of a 357 battery is around 150-200 milliampere-hours (mAh), providing a decent amount of power for its size.

• Size: The 357 battery is a small, button-shaped cell with a diameter of about 11.6 millimeters and a thickness of about 5.4 millimeters.

• Weight: The weight of a 357 battery is typically around 2.1 grams.

• Volume: The volume of a 357 battery is approximately 0.38 cubic centimeters.

• Impedance: The impedance of a 357 battery is relatively low, allowing for efficient power delivery to devices.

• Applications: Small electronic gadgets like watches, calculators, cameras, and others usually use the 357 battery.

• Compatibility: The 357 battery is interchangeable with other batteries that have equivalent specifications, such as SR44, SR44SW, SR44W, and 303.

• Shelf Life: The 357 battery has a long shelf life, typically retaining around 90% of its capacity after five years of storage at room temperature.

LR44 vs. 357: Dimensionas

LR44 Dimensions

357 Dimensions

Alkaline LR44 and Silver-Oxide 357 Batteries

Alkaline LR44 Batteries:

Alkaline LR44 batteries are widely used in devices such as watches, calculators, and toys. They are renowned for being widely accessible and reasonably priced. These batteries work well with low-drain applications and have a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts. However, one of the drawbacks of alkaline LR44 batteries is their relatively short shelf life compared to silver-oxide batteries.

Silver-Oxide 357 Batteries:

Silver-oxide 357 batteries, also known as SR44 or SR44W, are commonly used in watches, calculators, and cameras. These batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.55 volts, which is slightly higher than that of alkaline LR44 batteries. This higher voltage allows silver-oxide 357 batteries to deliver more consistent power output over their lifespan, making them suitable for high-drain devices. Additionally, Furthermore, compared to alkaline batteries, silver-oxide batteries often have a longer shelf life.

Voltage of 357 Battery:

One of the key differences between alkaline LR44 and silver-oxide 357 batteries is their voltage. While alkaline LR44 batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts, silver-oxide 357 batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.55 volts. This slight difference in voltage can affect the performance of devices that require a specific voltage to operate optimally.

Shelf Life:

Shelf life is another important factor to consider when choosing between alkaline LR44 and silver-oxide 357 batteries. Silver-oxide batteries are appropriate for devices that are used infrequently or stored for extended periods of time since they usually have a longer shelf life than alkaline batteries.

Suitability for Different Devices:

The choice between alkaline LR44 and silver-oxide 357 batteries often depends on the specific requirements of the device. For low-drain devices that don't need a lot of power output, alkaline LR44 batteries work well. 357 batteries with silver oxide, on the other hand, work well in high-drain devices that need a steady supply of power.

In conclusion, both alkaline LR44 and silver-oxide 357 batteries have their own advantages and disadvantages. The selection between these two battery types is contingent upon various aspects, including the device's specific requirements, the intended use, and the required shelf life. To guarantee optimum performance and longevity, it is crucial to carefully weigh these considerations when selecting a battery for your device.

A Detailed Comparison of Alkaline and Silver-Oxide Batteries

In certain situations, Silver oxide batteries can last up to twice as long as alkaline batteries due to their capacity, which is usually 50% to 100% higher. Compared to the materials used in alkaline batteries, silver oxide has a higher energy density, which accounts for its larger capacity.

The slower rate of voltage fall after discharge that characterizes silver oxide batteries is one of their main benefits. This characteristic makes them particularly well-suited for use in devices that require a constant and stable power supply, such as light meters in cameras, calculators, and medical instruments. The steady voltage output of silver oxide batteries ensures that these devices can maintain accurate measurements and operations over extended periods of time.

Overall, the higher capacity and stable voltage output of silver oxide batteries make them a preferred choice for applications where long-lasting and reliable power is essential.

Can an LR44 be replaced with a 357 battery?

The 357 and LR44 batteries have different chemical compositions and use distinct chemical reactions to generate electricity. The 357 battery, which uses silver oxide, typically outperforms the LR44 alkaline battery in terms of performance.

One notable difference is in the voltage characteristics during discharge. For the majority of its life, the 357 battery keeps its voltage at 1.55 volts, only suddenly falling when its chemical energy is almost gone. Conversely, over the course of its discharge lifetime, the voltage of the LR44 alkaline battery steadily drops.

In many cases, the 357 and LR44 batteries are interchangeable, especially in devices that do not require a constant voltage. However, devices that benefit from a stable voltage, such as precise calipers and some watches, may perform better with the 357 battery due to its consistent voltage output. Additionally, the 357 battery's greater usable capacity makes it suitable for devices with higher energy demands.

Conclusion

While LR44 and 357 batteries are physically similar and can sometimes be used interchangeably, they are not completely equivalent due to their differences in chemistry, voltage, and performance characteristics. With a nominal voltage of 1.55 volts, the 357 battery is a silver-oxide battery, whereas the LR44 battery is an alkaline battery.

Comparing the 357 battery to the LR44 battery, the former usually performs better in high-drain applications and has a larger capacity and longer shelf life. However, the LR44 battery is often more cost-effective and widely available.

While LR44 batteries can often be substituted for 357 batteries in devices that can accommodate the slight voltage difference, it is always best to use the specific battery type recommended by the device manufacturer for optimal performance and safety.