AA battery

An AA battery measures 1.97 inches (50.0 mm) long and 0.57 inches (14.5 mm) in diameter. It is the most widely used battery size for household electronics, from remote controls to toys and flashlights. This page covers the exact dimensions, weight, and how AA compares to other common battery sizes.

Dimensions

Weight

An alkaline AA battery weighs approximately 0.85 ounces (24 grams), while rechargeable NiMH AA batteries typically weigh slightly more, around 1.0 ounce (28 grams), due to their different internal chemistry.

Battery size comparison

AA and C batteries share the same 50.0 mm length but differ significantly in diameter, with the C battery being much thicker. AA is longer and thicker than AAA, its closest and most commonly interchanged relative, though the two are not interchangeable in most devices due to the diameter difference.

Voltage and capacity

A standard alkaline AA battery provides 1.5 volts, the same voltage as AAA, C, and D batteries, since voltage is determined by battery chemistry rather than physical size. What differs by size is capacity: a larger battery like AA holds significantly more energy (typically 1,800 to 2,700 mAh) than a AAA battery (typically 500 to 1,200 mAh), which is why device manufacturers choose battery size based on both space constraints and power needs.

Common devices using AA batteries

AA batteries power a wide range of devices including TV remotes, wireless keyboards and mice, digital cameras, flashlights, toys, and many battery-powered kitchen scales and clocks. Their combination of compact size and reasonable capacity makes them the most commonly stocked battery size in most households.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exact size of an AA battery?

1.97 inches (50.0 mm) long and 0.57 inches (14.5 mm) in diameter, following the international IEC standard for this battery size.

Can I use AAA batteries instead of AA?

No, not directly. AAA batteries are shorter and thinner than AA, so they will not make proper contact in a device’s battery compartment designed for AA cells, and adapters are needed to use one in place of the other.

How much does an AA battery weigh?

About 24 grams (0.85 ounces) for alkaline versions, or around 28 grams (1.0 ounce) for rechargeable NiMH versions.

What voltage does an AA battery provide?

1.5 volts for standard alkaline AA batteries, the same voltage as AAA, C, and D batteries, since voltage depends on chemistry rather than size.

Is AA bigger than C battery?

AA and C batteries are the same length (50.0 mm), but a C battery has a much larger diameter (26.2 mm vs 14.5 mm), giving it significantly more capacity.

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