AG13 and LR44 are the same battery, just with different names

Yes, AG13 and LR44 batteries are identical. They are the same 1.5-volt button cell battery sold under different naming systems. AG13 is the name used in the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard, while LR44 is the name used in the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard. You can use one in place of the other without any difference in performance.

The confusion happens because battery manufacturers and retailers use both naming systems, sometimes on the same shelf. A battery labeled AG13 in one store might be labeled LR44 in another, or you might see both names printed on the same package. The battery inside the packaging is chemically and physically identical either way.

Key Takeaways

  • AG13 and LR44 are the exact same 1.5-volt button cell battery with two different standard names.
  • AG13 follows the IEC naming standard used internationally, while LR44 follows the ANSI standard used in North America.
  • You can swap AG13 for LR44 in any device without any performance loss or compatibility issues.
  • Both names refer to a battery that is 11.6 mm in diameter and 5.4 mm thick, with a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts.
  • Check your device's manual or the battery compartment label to see which name your manufacturer uses, but either battery will work.

Why the two different names exist

The IEC standard, used primarily in Europe and internationally, names button cell batteries with a letter code followed by numbers. The "A" in AG13 stands for alkaline chemistry, the "G" indicates the physical size and shape, and the "13" is a specific size designation. This system is consistent across all IEC-named batteries.

The ANSI standard, used in North America, uses a different naming convention. The "L" in LR44 stands for alkaline, the "R" indicates it is a round button cell, and "44" is the size code. Despite the different naming logic, both standards describe the exact same physical battery with the same voltage, capacity, and dimensions.

Manufacturers choose which standard to follow based on their market region and distribution channels. A battery made by the same company might be packaged as AG13 for European distribution and LR44 for North American distribution, even though the battery itself never changes.

Physical specifications that make them identical

Both AG13 and LR44 batteries measure 11.6 millimeters in diameter and 5.4 millimeters in thickness. They both deliver 1.5 volts of electrical power and use alkaline chemistry. The capacity—how long the battery lasts before it dies—is the same regardless of which name is on the package, typically around 150 to 160 milliamp-hours.

The button-shaped design, the positive and negative terminal layout, and the chemical composition are all identical. If you removed the labels from an AG13 and an LR44 battery and set them side by side, you would not be able to tell them apart by appearance or weight.

Common devices that use AG13 or LR44 batteries

These batteries power small electronics that need compact, lightweight power sources. You will find them in watches, calculators, laser pointers, small LED flashlights, hearing aids, and some medical devices. They also appear in remote controls for car key fobs, small electronic toys, and some digital thermometers.

The long shelf life of alkaline button cells makes them popular for devices that sit unused for months or years between uses, like emergency supplies or backup remotes. Because they are so common, you can find them in nearly every pharmacy, grocery store, and electronics retailer.

How to check which name your device uses

Open the battery compartment of your device and look at the label inside. The manufacturer will usually print the battery type they recommend—it might say AG13, LR44, or sometimes both. If the label is worn or missing, check the device's instruction manual or the product packaging it came in.

If you cannot find the information, you can also look up the device model number online. Most product manuals are available as PDFs from the manufacturer's website, and the battery type is listed in the specifications or battery section.

Swapping AG13 for LR44 and vice versa

You can use an AG13 battery in any device that calls for an LR44, and you can use an LR44 in any device that calls for an AG13. The batteries are mechanically and electrically identical, so there is no risk of damage or malfunction. The device will work exactly the same way.

The only reason a manufacturer might list one name instead of the other is regional distribution or supplier preference. It has nothing to do with the battery's actual performance or compatibility. If your device needs a button cell battery and you have the right size, either name will work.

Where to buy AG13 and LR44 batteries

Both names are widely available at pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers. You might see them labeled as AG13, LR44, or sometimes both names on the same package. Prices are typically similar regardless of the name on the package, usually between 50 cents and 2 dollars per battery depending on the brand and quantity.

Generic store brands and name brands like Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic all make these batteries under both naming standards. If you cannot find one name, you can confidently ask for the other—any staff member in the battery section will understand that you are looking for the same battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AG13 battery in a hearing aid that asks for LR44?

Yes. Hearing aids that use LR44 batteries will work perfectly with an AG13 battery because they are the same battery. The only difference is the name on the package. Check the battery compartment to confirm the size fits, but chemically and electrically they are identical.

Is one brand of AG13 or LR44 better than another?

Major brands like Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic perform similarly in these small button cells. Generic store brands are usually cheaper and work just as well for most devices. The main difference is shelf life—buy from a retailer with good turnover so the batteries are fresher.

How long do AG13 and LR44 batteries last?

It depends on the device and how often you use it. In a watch, they might last two to three years. In a device used daily like a laser pointer, they might last a few weeks. Check your device's manual for the expected battery life, as it varies widely by power consumption.

What should I do with old AG13 or LR44 batteries?

Take them to a battery recycling program or a retailer that accepts battery returns. Many electronics stores, pharmacies, and municipal hazardous waste facilities will take used batteries for free. Do not throw them in the trash, as they contain materials that should be recycled.

Can I recharge an AG13 or LR44 battery?

No. These are single-use alkaline batteries and cannot be safely recharged. Attempting to recharge them can cause them to leak or fail. If you need rechargeable button cells, look for NiMH rechargeable batteries in the same size, though they have a lower voltage (1.2 volts instead of 1.5).