LR44 batteries are equivalent to AG13, SR44, and A76 — all the same size and voltage, just made by different manufacturers or with different chemistry

An LR44 is a 1.5-volt alkaline button cell. The letters and numbers tell you the size (44 means 11.6 mm diameter, 5.4 mm thick) and chemistry (LR means alkaline). Other batteries with the same physical dimensions and voltage carry different names because they come from different makers or use different internal chemistry — but they fit the same devices and work the same way in most applications.

The most common equivalents are AG13 (Energizer's name for the same battery), SR44 (a silver-oxide version that lasts longer), and A76 (another alkaline variant). You will also see 357, 303, V13GA, and RW82 listed as equivalents. All of these fit into the same slot and have the same voltage. The practical difference is how long they last in your device and whether the device's circuit is designed to work with alkaline or silver-oxide chemistry.

Key Takeaways

  • LR44, AG13, A76, and 357 are all 1.5-volt button cells with the same physical size and will fit the same battery compartment.
  • Silver-oxide batteries like SR44 last two to three times longer than alkaline LR44 in the same device, but cost more upfront.
  • Check your device's manual or battery compartment label to see which type the manufacturer recommends — some devices work better with one chemistry than the other.
  • Buying in bulk from online retailers is usually cheaper than buying single batteries at a pharmacy or convenience store.

Why the same battery has so many names

Battery naming is not standardized across manufacturers. Energizer calls their version AG13. Duracell calls theirs A76. Panasonic calls theirs SR44 when it is silver-oxide, or LR44 when it is alkaline. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard calls it LR1154 or SR1154, but that name almost never appears on packaging.

The reason you see so many names on the same shelf is that retailers stock batteries from multiple makers, and each maker uses its own code. A device designed to use an LR44 will work with an AG13, A76, or 357 because they are physically identical and deliver the same voltage. The device does not care which brand you buy — it only cares about the size and voltage.

Alkaline versus silver-oxide: which lasts longer

An LR44 is alkaline chemistry. An SR44 is silver-oxide chemistry. Both are 1.5 volts and fit the same slot, but silver-oxide lasts much longer — typically two to three times as long in the same device. The trade-off is cost: a silver-oxide SR44 costs two to four times more than an alkaline LR44.

For devices you use occasionally — a calculator, a watch, a laser pointer — silver-oxide makes sense because you change the battery less often. For devices you use constantly or that drain the battery fast, the longer life may not justify the price. Check what your device manual recommends. Some circuits are designed to work better with one chemistry than the other, especially if the device has a low-power mode or a long standby time.

Silver-oxide also maintains its voltage more steadily as it drains, which matters for devices that need consistent power. Alkaline voltage drops more noticeably as the battery ages. If your device starts to dim or slow down before the battery is completely dead, switching to silver-oxide may help.

Where to find LR44 equivalents and what they cost

You can buy LR44 batteries at pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers. Pharmacy and convenience store prices are usually the highest — often $1 to $3 per battery. Online retailers like Amazon sell them in packs of 10 to 50 for $0.20 to $0.50 per battery, depending on the brand and chemistry.

Buying in bulk online is almost always cheaper if you use button cells regularly or want to keep spares on hand. A pack of 50 alkaline LR44 batteries costs roughly $10 to $15 online, or about $0.20 to $0.30 each. The same quantity at a pharmacy would cost $50 to $150. If you only need one or two batteries right now, a pharmacy is faster, but the price difference is significant.

Brand matters less than you might think. Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and store brands all perform similarly in most devices. The main exception is silver-oxide: some brands hold their voltage more consistently than others, which can matter in precision instruments like light meters or hearing aids.

How to check if a battery is truly equivalent

The safest way to know if a battery will work is to check your device's manual or the label inside the battery compartment. Most devices list the battery type they need — usually LR44, AG13, A76, or SR44. If your manual lists one of these, any of the others with the same voltage will fit and work.

If you cannot find the manual, look at the battery compartment itself. The label or the shape of the slot will often tell you the size. Button cells are usually labeled by their IEC code (like LR1154) or by the manufacturer's code (like AG13). Take a photo of the compartment and search for that code online, or bring the old battery to a pharmacy and ask the staff to match it.

Do not assume a battery is equivalent just because it is the same diameter. Some button cells are thicker or thinner than others, and a battery that is too thick may not fit, or may fit but not make proper contact with the terminals. The 44 in LR44 refers to both diameter and thickness, so matching that number is important.

Common devices that use LR44 batteries

LR44 and its equivalents power small electronics that need a compact, long-lasting power source. Watches, calculators, laser pointers, key-chain lights, and small digital thermometers almost always use LR44. Hearing aids, glucose meters, and some medical devices also use button cells, though they may specify silver-oxide for longer life and steadier voltage.

Toys, remote controls, and some camera flash units use LR44 as well. If you have a device that takes a button cell and you are not sure which type, the safest approach is to remove the old battery and match it to a new one by size and the code printed on it. Most retailers will let you compare the old battery to new ones on the shelf.

Storage and safety tips for button cell batteries

Button cell batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could short-circuit them. Keep them in their original packaging or in a plastic container, not loose in a drawer where they might touch coins or keys. A short circuit can cause the battery to leak or overheat.

Do not mix old and new batteries in the same device. If a device takes two button cells, replace both at the same time, even if only one is dead. Mixing old and new batteries can cause the old one to leak and damage the device.

Dispose of used button cell batteries at a pharmacy, electronics retailer, or hazardous waste facility. Do not throw them in the trash. Many retailers that sell batteries will take old ones back for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an SR44 silver-oxide battery in a device that calls for an LR44 alkaline?

Yes, they are physically identical and both are 1.5 volts. The device will work fine. Silver-oxide will last longer and maintain its voltage more steadily, which is why it costs more. Some devices with low-power circuits may actually work better with silver-oxide because the voltage stays closer to 1.5 volts throughout the battery's life.

What is the difference between a 357 and an LR44?

A 357 is another name for the same battery — it is a 1.5-volt alkaline button cell with the same size and voltage as an LR44. Different manufacturers use different codes. Energizer calls it AG13, Duracell calls it A76, and some makers call it 357 or 303. They are all interchangeable.

How long does an LR44 battery last?

It depends on the device. In a watch, an LR44 may last one to three years. In a calculator used daily, it might last six months to a year. In a laser pointer used occasionally, it could last several years. Check your device's manual for an estimate, or track how long your current battery lasts and plan replacements accordingly.

Is it safe to use a counterfeit or off-brand LR44 battery?

Off-brand batteries from reputable retailers are usually safe and perform similarly to name brands. Counterfeit batteries sold through unofficial channels may leak, overheat, or fail without warning. Buy from established retailers — pharmacies, electronics stores, or major online retailers — and you should be fine with any brand they stock.

Can I recharge an LR44 battery?

No. LR44 and AG13 are single-use alkaline batteries and should not be recharged. Attempting to recharge them can cause them to leak or overheat. If you need rechargeable button cells, look for NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) button cells, which are designed to be recharged hundreds of times, though they have a lower voltage (1.2 volts instead of 1.5).