LR44 batteries have several direct equivalents and near-equivalents you can use interchangeably

An LR44 battery is a small alkaline button cell, 11.6 mm wide and 5.4 mm thick, used in watches, calculators, toys, and medical devices. If your device calls for an LR44, you can use any of these replacements: A76, AG13, 357, SR44, 303, 357A, or S76. The most common swap is the A76, which is chemically identical to the LR44 and costs less. The SR44 is a silver-oxide version that lasts longer but costs more and may not fit older devices designed for alkaline cells.

The reason these batteries work interchangeably is that they all share the same physical size (11.6 mm diameter) and the same voltage output (1.5 volts for alkaline, 1.55 volts for silver-oxide). Your device does not care which brand or chemistry you use, as long as the dimensions and voltage match. However, there are small differences in how long each type lasts and how they perform under load, which matters for some applications.

Key Takeaways

  • The A76 is the cheapest direct replacement for LR44 and works identically in almost all devices.
  • SR44 and 303 are silver-oxide alternatives that last two to three times longer but cost more and may not fit devices with tight battery compartments.
  • 357, 357A, AG13, and S76 are all equivalent to LR44 and can be used in the same device without modification.
  • Check your device manual or the battery compartment label before buying, because some older watches and hearing aids perform better with specific chemistries.

The difference between alkaline and silver-oxide LR44 replacements

LR44 is an alkaline battery, meaning it uses zinc and manganese dioxide chemistry. The A76 is also alkaline and identical in every way that matters to your device. Both deliver 1.5 volts and fit the same space. The main difference is cost: A76 batteries are usually cheaper because they are sold under generic or store brands.

SR44 and 303 are silver-oxide batteries, which use a different chemical reaction. They also deliver 1.5 volts (technically 1.55 volts, but devices do not notice the difference), but they hold that voltage much more steadily as they drain. An alkaline LR44 loses power gradually over weeks; a silver-oxide SR44 stays at full strength until it is nearly dead, then drops off sharply. This matters for devices that are sensitive to voltage dips, like some digital watches and hearing aids.

Silver-oxide batteries last two to three times longer than alkaline in the same device, but they cost three to five times more. They are also slightly thicker (5.4 mm for LR44 versus 5.2 mm for SR44), which can cause fit problems in devices with tight battery compartments. If your device was designed for alkaline cells, stick with A76 unless the manual specifically recommends silver-oxide.

How to identify which replacement is safe for your device

The safest way to choose is to look at the label inside your device's battery compartment. Most devices print the battery type directly on the metal or plastic housing. If it says LR44, A76, AG13, or 357, any of those names will work. If it says SR44 or 303, use silver-oxide. If the label is worn away, check the device manual or the manufacturer's website.

If you cannot find the original specification, the A76 is the safest bet. It is the most common replacement sold in stores, works in virtually every device that originally used LR44, and costs less than specialty batteries. Buy a pack of two or four so you have a spare when the first one dies.

Avoid mixing old and new batteries in the same device, even if they are the same type. An old battery that is partially drained can cause the new one to discharge faster or unevenly. If your device uses two batteries, replace both at the same time.

Where to buy LR44 replacements

LR44 and A76 batteries are sold at most drugstores, supermarkets, and hardware stores in the checkout aisle or the battery section. Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Target all stock them under their own brands, usually for $1 to $3 per battery. Amazon and eBay sell bulk packs of 10 or 20 for $5 to $10, which works out cheaper if you use these batteries regularly.

Specialty battery retailers like Batteries Plus and local camera shops carry SR44 and other silver-oxide options, though they cost more. If you need a battery urgently and cannot find it locally, most drugstores can order it for pickup within a day or two.

Why some devices perform better with specific battery types

Watches are the most common example. A quartz watch with an alkaline LR44 will run for one to two years before the battery dies. The same watch with a silver-oxide SR44 will run for three to five years. However, some older mechanical watches and vintage digital watches were calibrated for alkaline voltage and may run fast or slow if you use silver-oxide instead.

Hearing aids are another case. Many modern hearing aids work with either alkaline or silver-oxide, but some older models perform better with one or the other. The manual will specify. If you switch types and notice the device sounds different or the battery drains faster, switch back to the original type.

Calculators and toys are not sensitive to battery chemistry. An A76 and an SR44 will perform identically in a calculator because the device draws very little power and voltage stability does not matter. Use whichever is cheaper.

Storage and safety tips for button cell batteries

Button cell batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. A metal coin or key can short-circuit a battery if it touches both the positive and negative terminals, causing the battery to overheat. Keep them in their original packaging or in a plastic battery case until you use them.

If a battery leaks, do not touch the chemical residue directly. Wear gloves and wipe the battery compartment with a dry cloth or a cotton swab. If the leak is heavy or the device is damaged, stop using it and dispose of the battery at a hazardous waste facility or a store that accepts used batteries (most drugstores and electronics retailers do).

Keep button cell batteries away from children and pets. Swallowing a button cell battery can cause serious internal burns. If someone swallows a button cell, call Poison Control when ready at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 357 battery instead of an LR44?

Yes. A 357 is chemically identical to an LR44 and fits the same space. The names are different because they come from different manufacturers' naming systems, but they are the same battery. You can swap them without any issues.

Will an SR44 battery fit in a device designed for LR44?

Usually yes, but not always. An SR44 is 5.2 mm thick while an LR44 is 5.4 mm thick. Most devices have enough clearance that the difference does not matter, but some watches and hearing aids have tight battery compartments. If the SR44 does not slide in easily, do not force it. Use an A76 instead.

How long does an LR44 battery last?

It depends on the device. In a watch, an LR44 lasts one to two years. In a calculator used daily, it lasts several years. In a toy used occasionally, it can last much longer. Check your device manual for the expected battery life.

Is it safe to use a generic A76 instead of a name-brand LR44?

Yes. A76 and LR44 are the same battery made to the same standard. Generic versions from store brands work identically to name brands like Energizer or Duracell. The only difference is price.

What should I do with old LR44 batteries?

Take them to a store that accepts used batteries. Most drugstores, electronics retailers, and hazardous waste facilities will take them for free. Do not throw them in the trash or down the drain.