What Batteries Work in Place of an LR44

An LR44 is a 1.5-volt alkaline button cell battery, and several other batteries with different names will fit the same slot and work the same way. The most common direct replacements are the A76, AG13, and SR44. All three are physically identical to the LR44 — same diameter (11.6 mm) and thickness (5.4 mm) — and will power the same devices.

The letter codes tell you the chemistry inside. LR44 means alkaline. A76 and AG13 are also alkaline and made by different manufacturers. SR44 is silver oxide, which lasts longer and holds voltage more steadily, but costs more. For most household devices — calculators, watches, hearing aids, toys — any of these four will work. The choice comes down to how long you want the battery to last and what you want to spend.

Button cell batteries are sold under many brand names, but the code printed on the case is what matters. When you buy a replacement, look for one of these four codes on the package, not the brand name. A package labeled "LR44 batteries" might contain cells made by Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or a store brand — they are all LR44 and will work the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • LR44, A76, AG13, and SR44 are all 1.5-volt button cells with identical size and fit, so any of them will work in a device designed for LR44.
  • LR44, A76, and AG13 are alkaline batteries that cost less; SR44 is silver oxide and lasts longer but costs more.
  • The code printed on the battery case matters more than the brand name — look for LR44, A76, AG13, or SR44 when you shop.
  • Silver oxide (SR44) batteries hold their voltage more steadily than alkaline, which matters for precision devices like watches and hearing aids.

How to Tell Which Battery Your Device Needs

Open the battery compartment of your device and look at the label or the battery already inside. The code will be printed on the case. If it says LR44, A76, AG13, or SR44, you can use any of the four. If the code is something else entirely — like LR41, LR43, LR1130, or SR626 — that device needs a different size and a different battery will not fit.

If the compartment is empty and you cannot find a label, check the device manual or the back of the packaging. Many devices print the battery type on a sticker or in the instruction booklet. If you still cannot find it, take the device to a pharmacy or electronics store and ask staff to check — they can open the compartment and tell you what fits.

Alkaline vs. Silver Oxide: Which Lasts Longer

Alkaline batteries (LR44, A76, AG13) are the cheapest option and work fine for most uses. They deliver 1.5 volts when new and gradually drop to 0.9 volts as they drain. This slow voltage drop does not matter for toys, remote controls, or calculators. A single alkaline LR44 typically lasts 100 to 200 hours of use, depending on the device.

Silver oxide batteries (SR44) cost two to three times as much but last much longer — often 300 to 400 hours — and hold their voltage nearly flat until they are nearly dead. This matters for watches, hearing aids, and light meters, where steady voltage keeps the device accurate. If your device has a quartz watch movement or a hearing aid, silver oxide is worth the extra cost. For a toy or a calculator, alkaline is fine.

Some devices work with both types, but check your manual first. Hearing aids in particular sometimes have a preference. If you switch from alkaline to silver oxide or back, the battery life and performance may change slightly, but the device will not be damaged.

Where to Buy LR44 and Compatible Batteries

Button cell batteries are sold at pharmacies, supermarkets, electronics stores, and online retailers. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Supermarkets carry them in the household supplies aisle. Best Buy and other electronics stores have a wider selection, including silver oxide options. Online, Amazon and the manufacturer websites (Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic) sell them in bulk packs, which is cheaper per battery if you use them regularly.

Prices vary widely. A single alkaline LR44 at a pharmacy might cost $1 to $2. A pack of four from a supermarket might cost $3 to $5. Bulk packs of 10 or more online can cost $0.30 to $0.50 per battery. Silver oxide batteries cost more — $1 to $3 each — but last longer, so the cost per hour of use is sometimes lower.

Common Mistakes When Replacing an LR44

The most common mistake is buying the wrong size. LR41, LR43, and LR1130 are all button cells, but they are smaller or larger than LR44 and will not fit. Check the code on the old battery or the device label before you buy. If you accidentally buy the wrong size, most stores will exchange it.

Another mistake is mixing old and new batteries. If your device takes two button cells, do not put a new battery in one slot and an old one in the other. The new battery will drain faster trying to power the old one, and the old one may leak. Always replace all batteries at the same time.

A third mistake is installing the battery backwards. Button cells have a flat side (negative) and a raised side (positive). The raised side should face up or toward the spring in the compartment. If it is backwards, the device will not turn on. If it still does not work after flipping it, the battery may be dead or the device may need cleaning.

Storing Button Cell Batteries Safely

Store button cells in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. Do not store them loose in a drawer where they might touch coins or keys — metal can short-circuit the battery and cause it to leak or overheat. Keep them in their original packaging or in a plastic container with dividers. Do not store them in the refrigerator or freezer; cold does not extend their life and moisture can damage them.

Check stored batteries every few months. If you see any white or blue powder around the edges, the battery is leaking and should be thrown away. Do not touch the powder — it is caustic. Wash your hands after handling a leaking battery. If a leaking battery has damaged a device, clean the compartment with a cotton swab and a tiny drop of vinegar to remove the corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an SR44 silver oxide battery instead of an LR44 alkaline?

Yes, SR44 will fit and work in any device designed for LR44. It lasts longer and holds voltage more steadily. The only downside is cost — silver oxide is more expensive. Some devices, especially hearing aids, may perform slightly differently with silver oxide, so check your manual if you are unsure.

What if I put an LR44 in a device that asks for SR44?

It will work, but the battery will not last as long and the voltage will drop faster. For watches and hearing aids, this can make the device less accurate or cause it to stop working sooner than expected. If your device specifically asks for SR44, use silver oxide.

How do I know if my button cell battery is dead?

The device will not turn on or will work very weakly. You can also test the battery with a multimeter if you have one — a good LR44 or A76 should read 1.5 volts, and a good SR44 should read 1.55 volts. If it reads below 1.2 volts, it is dead and should be replaced.

Are all LR44 batteries the same, or do brands matter?

All LR44 batteries are the same size and voltage, so they will all fit and work. Brand does not matter much for most uses. Energizer and Duracell are well-known, but store brands and other manufacturers make LR44 batteries that work just as well and cost less. Buy whatever is cheapest unless your device manual specifies a brand.

Can I recharge an LR44 battery?

No. LR44 is a primary cell, meaning it is designed to be used once and thrown away. Do not try to recharge it — it can overheat or leak. If you use button cells frequently, buying in bulk is cheaper than trying to recharge them.