An LR44 is a small coin-shaped battery 11.6 millimeters wide and 5.4 millimeters thick

The LR44 is a alkaline button cell battery that measures 11.6 mm in diameter and 5.4 mm in height. It produces 1.5 volts of power. The name itself tells you what it is: "LR" means alkaline (the chemistry), and "44" is the International Electrotechnical Commission code for that specific size and shape. You will find it listed under several other names depending on the manufacturer — A76, V13GA, PX76, or AG13 — but they are all the same battery.

The LR44 is one of the smallest batteries you can buy. It is smaller than a dime and weighs less than 2 grams. Because of its tiny size and reliable power output, it shows up in devices where space is tight and power needs are low.

Key Takeaways

  • An LR44 battery is 11.6 mm wide and 5.4 mm tall, making it one of the smallest batteries sold for consumer devices.
  • Common devices that use LR44 batteries include laser pointers, calculators, watches, hearing aids, and small electronic toys.
  • LR44 batteries last between 2 and 10 hours of continuous use, depending on the device and how much power it draws.
  • You can find LR44 batteries at drugstores, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers, usually in packs of two or four.

Devices that commonly use LR44 batteries

The LR44 powers a wide range of small electronics. Laser pointers, pocket calculators, digital thermometers, and electronic scales often use a single LR44. Watches — especially older digital watches and some modern fashion watches — rely on them. Hearing aids frequently use LR44 batteries, though some models use the slightly smaller LR41 instead.

You will also find LR44 batteries in electronic toys, small LED flashlights, guitar tuners, and some medical devices like blood glucose meters. Keychain lights, electronic games, and compact camera flash units are other common uses. If a device is small enough to fit in your pocket and needs just a little power, an LR44 is a likely candidate.

Before you buy a replacement, check the device itself or its manual to confirm the battery type. Some devices that look similar may use LR41, LR43, or LR45 batteries instead — the difference in size is small but matters for fit and performance.

How long an LR44 battery lasts

An LR44 battery typically lasts between 2 and 10 hours of continuous use, though this varies widely depending on the device. A laser pointer drawing power constantly will drain an LR44 much faster than a watch that only powers a display update once per second. A calculator used for a few minutes each day might run on a single LR44 for a year or more.

Hearing aids are a good example of real-world battery life. A hearing aid using an LR44 typically runs for 3 to 7 days before the battery is depleted, because the device draws power steadily throughout the day. A digital thermometer that you check once or twice daily will run much longer on the same battery.

Temperature also affects how long an LR44 lasts. Cold weather reduces battery life, sometimes significantly. Storing batteries in a cool, dry place (not a freezer) helps them hold their charge longer before use.

Where to buy LR44 batteries

LR44 batteries are widely available at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Walmart and Target. You can also order them online from Amazon, eBay, and battery specialty sites. They are usually sold in packs of two, four, or more.

Prices vary by retailer and brand. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell cost more than store brands or unbranded batteries, but the performance difference is often small for low-drain devices like watches and calculators. For devices that draw more power steadily — like hearing aids — many people prefer name-brand batteries for reliability.

Some retailers sell LR44 batteries individually at the checkout counter, which is convenient if you only need one. Buying in bulk packs is cheaper per battery if you use them regularly or want to keep spares on hand.

How to install an LR44 battery

Most devices that use LR44 batteries have a straightforward battery compartment on the back or bottom. Open the compartment by sliding or unclipping the cover. The battery sits in a small metal holder with a positive (+) terminal on top and a negative (−) terminal on the bottom.

Insert the new LR44 with the positive side facing up — this is the flat, unmarked side. The negative side is usually marked with a minus sign. Press gently until you hear or feel a click, then close the compartment cover. The device should power on when ready if it was off due to a dead battery.

If the device does not turn on after you install a fresh battery, try flipping it over — you may have inserted it upside down. If it still does not work, the device itself may have a problem, or the battery compartment contacts may be dirty. Wipe the metal contacts inside the compartment with a clean, dry cloth and try again.

Storing LR44 batteries safely

Store LR44 batteries in a cool, dry place at room temperature. A drawer, cabinet, or shelf away from direct sunlight works well. Do not store them in the refrigerator or freezer — the moisture and temperature swings can damage them.

Keep batteries away from metal objects like coins, keys, or paper clips. If a metal object touches both the positive and negative terminals at the same time, it creates a short circuit that can heat the battery dangerously and drain it when ready. Store them in their original packaging or in a plastic battery organizer to prevent this.

Do not throw used LR44 batteries in the trash. Many communities have battery recycling programs at retailers, hazardous waste facilities, or municipal collection events. Alkaline batteries contain materials that can be recovered, and proper recycling keeps them out of landfills.

LR44 vs. similar button cell batteries

Several button cell batteries are close in size to the LR44, and it is straightforward to confuse them. The LR41 is slightly smaller (11.6 mm wide, 3.6 mm tall) and produces the same 1.5 volts. The LR43 is the same width but 4.2 mm tall. The LR45 is the same width but 7.7 mm tall. If your device calls for an LR41 and you install an LR44, the battery may not fit or may not make proper contact with the terminals.

The SR44 is another common button cell that looks identical to the LR44 but produces 1.55 volts instead of 1.5 volts. It is a silver oxide battery rather than alkaline. Some devices work with either type, but others are designed for one or the other. Check your device manual or the battery compartment label before substituting.

When you need a replacement, the safest approach is to look at the old battery itself or check the device manual. The battery type is printed on the compartment cover or the back of the device in many cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an LR44 battery in a device that calls for an SR44?

Sometimes, but not always. The SR44 produces slightly more voltage (1.55 volts vs. 1.5 volts) and lasts longer in most devices. Some devices work with both, but others are designed specifically for one type. Check your device manual before substituting. If you use an LR44 in an SR44 slot, the device may work but the battery will drain faster.

How do I know which side of the LR44 goes in first?

The flat, unmarked side is the positive (+) terminal and should face up toward the top of the device. The side marked with a minus sign (−) is the negative terminal and faces down toward the bottom. If the device does not turn on, try flipping the battery over — you may have inserted it backward.

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

All LR44 batteries meet the same size and voltage standards, so they are physically interchangeable. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell often last slightly longer and perform more reliably, especially in high-drain devices. For low-drain uses like watches and calculators, store brands work just as well at a lower cost.

What should I do with a dead LR44 battery?

Do not throw it in the trash. Take it to a battery recycling program at a retailer, hazardous waste facility, or municipal collection event. Many drugstores and electronics retailers accept used batteries for free recycling. Check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office to find a recycling location near you.

Why does my device stop working even with a new LR44 battery?

The battery may be inserted upside down — flip it and try again. The metal contacts inside the battery compartment may be dirty or corroded; wipe them with a clean, dry cloth. The device itself may have a problem unrelated to the battery. If none of these steps work, the device may need repair or replacement.