AA vs. AAA Batteries: What’s The Difference? (Explained)
We have come a long way from the industrial revolution which took back in the 19 th century. And since then we as a civilization have evolved and innovated many new machines and devices which are all reliant on energy. As a result, our energy consumption has also increased.
To quickly answer, the main difference between the AA and AAA batteries is their size. The AAA battery is larger in size due to which it also has a higher energy capacity and voltage output.
In this article, I’ll be discussing the most common type of energy provider for households: batteries. I’ll also be discussing the difference between the AA and AAA type batteries and why there’s a price difference between the two despite them providing the same voltage output and current ratio.
What Is a Battery?
In simple words, a battery is a collection of cells joined together in a parallel or a series circuit. These cells are devices made out of metals that transform the chemical energy they possess into electrical energy. They do so through a reaction known as an electrochemical redox reaction.
A battery has three components the cathode, the anode, and the electrolyte. The cathode is the positive terminal of the battery and the anode is the negative terminal. The electrolyte is an ionic compound in its molten state which has free-moving positive and negative ions present inside it.
When the two terminals are connected to a circuit a reaction takes place between the anode and the electrolyte which results in the transfer of electrons from the anode to the cathode. This movement of electrons is what produces the electricity,
There are two types of batteries:
- Primary batteries: These types of batteries can only be used once and then must be thrown away.
- Secondary batteries: These types of batteries can be recharged and so be used again and again.
AA Type Battery
The AA battery is a small, cylindrical battery that is often used in small electronic devices. It’s usually made of lithium or alkaline materials. The size of an AA battery is 14mm in diameter and 50mm in length. There are two types of AA batteries: disposable and rechargeable.
Disposable AA batteries are called Alkaline batteries and are made out of manganese and zinc oxides. These are the most common type of batteries.
Rechargeable AA batteries are called lithium batteries and they are made of the metal lithium. They have a higher energy density than alkaline AA batteries and can be recharged.
The alkaline and lithium batteries differ from each other in terms of their voltage Battery Capacity, Operating Temperature, diameter height, and chemistry. The following table summarizes these changes.
Battery type | Alkaline battery | Lithium battery |
Battery Nominal Voltage | 1.50 Volts | 1.50 Volts |
AA Battery Capacity (Avg.)- Alkaline | ≈ 2500 mAh | ≈3000mAh mAh |
Operating Temperature | 0°C – 60°C | 0°C – 60°C |
Diameter | 14.5mm | 14.5mm |
Height | 50.5mm | 50.5mm |
Chemistry | Alkaline | Lithium |
AAA Type Battery
The AAA battery is a small, cylindrical battery that is often used in small electronic devices. It’s also known as a triple-A battery. The AAA battery is usually made of lithium or alkaline, and it has a voltage of 1.5 volts.
There are two types of AAA batteries: the disposable AAA battery and the rechargeable AAA battery. The disposable AAA battery can only be used once and then discarded, while the rechargeable AAA battery can be used multiple times. The AA equivalent batteries are the LR03 and LR6, which have a voltage of 1.2 volts and 1.5 volts respectively
The size of AAA batteries varies depending on the type, but they are generally about 10mm in diameter and 44mm long. Alkaline batteries are the most common type of AAA battery. Lithium batteries are more expensive but last longer than alkaline batteries.
Just like in AA batteries the rechargeable type is the lithium battery and the non-rechargeable type battery is the alkaline one. The alkaline and lithium-type AAA batteries have some differences and similarities as well. They’re listed in the following table:
Battery type | Alkaline | Lithium |
Battery Nominal Voltage | 1.50 Volts | 1.50 Volts |
AAA Battery Capacity (Avg.)- Alkaline | ≈ 1200 mAh | ≈600mAh |
Operating Temperature | 0°C – 60°C | 0°C – 60°C |
Diameter | 14.5mm | 14.5mm |
Height | 50.5mm | 50.5mm |
Chemistry | Alkaline | Lithium |
Output Voltage And Current Ratio of The AA And AAA Batteries,
The output voltage and current ratio of AA and AAA batteries vary depending on the type of battery. Some AA batteries have a higher voltage and current output than AAA batteries, while others have a lower voltage and current output.
The output voltage and current ratio of The AA and AAA batteries are 1.5 volts and 3000 mAh, respectively. This means that the AA battery can provide 1.5 volts of power for 3000 mAh, while the AAA battery can provide 1.5 volts of power for 1000 mAh.
AA batteries have a higher output voltage, while AAA batteries have a higher current output. The voltage of a AA battery is typically around 1.5 volts, while the current output is around 2.4 amps. The voltage of a AAA battery is typically around 1.2 volts, while the current output is around 3.6 amps.
Manufacture Of AA Batteries
AA batteries are made of a few different materials. The most important material is the cathode, which is made of manganese dioxide. The anode is made of carbon, and the electrolyte is a mixture of potassium hydroxide and water.
The manufacturing process starts with the cathode. The manganese dioxide is mixed with carbon and pressed into pellets. The pellets are then placed into a mold that gives them their AA shape. The anode is made in a similar way, except the carbon is mixed with graphite.
The electrolyte is made by mixing potassium hydroxide and water. Once all the materials are ready, they are assembled into AA batteries.
Manufacture Of AAA Batteries
AAA batteries are made from a variety of materials. The most important ingredient is the cathode, which is usually made from lithium metal.
Other materials used in AAA batteries include anodes (usually made from carbon), separators (to keep the cathode and anode from touching each other), and electrolytes (to help conduct electricity).
The manufacturing process begins with creating the cathode and anode. These are then placed into a battery case with the separator and electrolyte. The battery is then sealed and tested to make sure it meets safety standards.
Major Producers Of AA And AAA Battery
The AA and AAA type batteries are greatly produced across the world. Following are the major producers of these batteries:
- Duracell Coppertop
- Energizer Max
- Private label
- Rayovac
- Duracell Quantum
- Eveready Gold
AA vs. AAA Batteries
The first difference between these two very similar battery types is that the AAA battery is smaller in diameter and height than the AA battery. As a result, its energy storage capacity is lower than the AA-type battery’s energy storage capacity.
This means that even though the two batteries can give the same output the AA battery can give an output for a longer time. This is why the AA battery has 3000 mAh for 2.5v whereas the AAA battery has a mAh of 1000 for 1.5v.
The second notable difference between the two is that the amount of current that can travel through each battery can vary. The AA battery can handle more amount of current flowing through it than the AAA battery. This is because of the AAA battery’s smaller size.
Lastly, the AA battery type has a greater voltage output and the AAA battery has a greater current output. The main differences are summarized in the table below.
AA battery | AAA battery |
1.5 v | 1.2 v |
2.4 amps | 3.6 amps |
can provide 1.5 volts of power for 3000 mAh | can provide 1.5 volts of power for 1000 mAh. |
The price difference is mainly due to the supply and demand factors. The AA battery has a greater supply hence its price is lower. Secondly, the material used to manufacture AA batteries is also inexpensive. So the manufacturing cost of AA batteries is lower than that of AAA batteries and so it is cheaper and AAA is more expensive.
AAA vs AA Battery: What’s The Difference?
Do you know the difference between AAA and AA batteries? Most people don’t realize there is a difference, but there is!
These batteries are the most popular batteries used in many household devices. Because the devices we use are of different sizes and strengths, there are different types of batteries used to operate them.
In this post, we’ll explain the differences between these two types of batteries. We’ll also talk about which type of battery is better for certain applications. Stay tuned!
AA Battery Overview
AA batteries are dry cell batteries that are used to power and help portable electronic devices run.
They are called dry cell batteries because they have balanced moisture that allows enough current to pass through. These batteries have existed for a while as they were invented more than 100 years ago.
Unlike some may think, the letters AA do not mean anything, nor are they abbreviations for any term. The AA batteries are what one would call standard size, and they run on 1.5 voltage.
They are also very common; they are the most common types of batteries being manufactured currently. The AA batteries are considerably bigger than the AAA batteries.
AAA Battery Overview
Just like AA batteries, AAA in AAA batteries do not stand for any term; instead are just an indication of what type of batteries they are. Of course, they are the 2nd most popular type of batteries after the AA batteries.
While the AA batteries were invented in 1907, the AAA batteries followed four years later in 1911. Also known as the Triple A batteries, they are also standard-size single-cell and dry batteries.
Unlike AA batteries, though, they are used to power low-drain devices that require lesser capacity, such as portable equipment. They are also used to power devices like small toys, kitchen timers, remote controllers, etc.
Comparison Between AA Batteries And AAA Batteries
Since we know what these batteries are and their basic characteristics, we can now FOCUS on what makes them different and similar. Below, you will find the list of how to differentiate between these two battery types.
Size
Many things make these two batteries different, but the most obvious is their size. Although both batteries are cylindrical, their sizes are still different.
AA batteries are larger, wider, and taller than their counterparts, measuring around 14.5mm x 50.55mm. Meanwhile, the AAA batteries are smaller in length and diameter and more suitable for smaller, low-power devices. They have a measurement of 10.5mm x 44.5mm.
Capacity
Usually, a battery’s capacity is measured in Milliamps per hour (mAh), and the AA and AAA batteries are no different. Because it is smaller, the AAA battery capacity is smaller than its counterpart.
AAA batteries have a capacity of 350-1200 Milliamps per hour, while the much bigger AA batteries have more than three times the capacity of AAA batteries. The AA battery capacity measures up to 2000 – 3000 mAh.
Duration
Because of the difference in their size and capacity, there is also a difference in their functioning duration. AA batteries last way longer than AAA batteries.
Another reason AAA batteries don’t last as long as AA batteries are that their charge storage capacity is much smaller than AA batteries.
This goes on to say that the electrochemical materials in AAA batteries are not as much as those in AA batteries. While AA batteries are made up of materials like zinc anode and copper cathode, it is not the same for AAA batteries.
Usage
Most people have a general understanding of how batteries work – they know that AA and AAA batteries are common sizes and that they power everything from remote controls to smoke detectors.
However, there is often confusion about which size battery to use for which device. AA batteries are generally recommended for high-drain devices like digital cameras, while AAA batteries are better suited for low-drain devices like TV remote controls.
However, it’s always important to consult your device’s owner’s manual to be sure you’re using the correct size battery. In addition, it’s a good idea to keep a variety of different sizes of batteries on hand, so you’re never caught without power.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of a battery refers to how long it can be stored before it needs to be used. Both AA and AAA batteries tend to have a long shelf life, generally around 10 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of battery and the manufacturing date.
For example, alkaline batteries tend to have a longer shelf life than lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, batteries that are older may not last as long as newer batteries. To get the most out of your AA and AAA batteries, it is important to store them properly.
Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Additionally, it is best to keep batteries in their original packaging or a protective case to prevent them from coming into contact with metal objects that could cause a short circuit.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your AA and AAA batteries will be ready to use when you need them.
Output Voltage
Although they are of different sizes, they have something in common: their output voltage, which is between the range of 1.2 and 1.5 volts. And as time passes, the two similarly lose some of their voltage capacities.
Their voltage is also the same as the big D-type battery, and this is because they are all single cells.
You will have to use more than one cell to get a higher voltage. For example, to get 9-volt batteries, you would need six single cells at once.
Cost
The cost of both AA and AAA batteries can vary depending on the brand, type, and where they are purchased. The average price for a pack of four AA or AAA batteries is around 5. However, this can be lower for generic brands or higher for name brands.
Standard generic batteries tend to be considerably cheaper than standard brand-name batteries. The type of battery can vary too. Lithium batteries are usually more expensive than alkaline.
The type of battery can also affect the price, with disposable batteries being less expensive than rechargeable batteries. Finally, these batteries’ costs may differ depending on whether they are bought in-store or online.
Online retailers typically have lower but may charge for shipping. Overall, the cost of AA and AAA batteries is not too expensive and can be found for a reasonable price with some comparison shopping.
The Difference Between Rechargeable and Primary Batteries
When it comes to batteries, there are two main types: primary and rechargeable. Primary batteries are designed to be used once and then discarded, while rechargeable batteries can be used over and over again.
AA and AAA batteries are the most common types of primary batteries, and they are typically used in small electronic devices like remote controls and digital cameras. Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries are also available, and they offer a number of advantages over traditional primary batteries.
- Rechargeable batteries can be reused hundreds of times, which saves money in the long run.
- Rechargeable batteries tend to have a higher capacity than primary batteries, meaning they will power your devices for longer before needing to be replaced.
- Rechargeable batteries are better for the environment since they create less waste than primary batteries. You can also get a charger to charge them without a hitch.
- The rechargeable batteries are pretty strong and come in different types, for example, the NiMH batteries, also known as the Nickel Metal-Hydride batteries.
Are AA and AAA Interchangeable?
It’s important to know that you can’t interchange AA and AAA batteries. Which battery you need strictly depends on the requirements of the device. These are usually listed on the packaging.
If you no longer have the packaging, you can use a screwdriver to open the back of the toy or device and see what battery you need.
While it may seem like AA and AAA batteries are similar in size, they are actually quite different and not interchangeable. So, next time you’re looking for a battery, make sure you choose the right one!
Conclusion
AA and AAA batteries are similar, but they have some important differences. Knowing which type of battery your device needs is essential to keeping it running properly.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the difference between AA and AAA batteries and which one is best for your needs. Have any questions? Let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев!
EBL NiZn Rechargeable AA Batteries with Charger review – a different kind of battery
REVIEW – You’re familiar with standard alkaline AA batteries from companies like Duracell, and you are probably familiar with rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, like these from Energizer. They are all the same size (diameter 14.5 mm, length 50.5 mm) and have a standard range for voltage (1.2 to 1.5v), though their capacity can vary widely (typically from 1000 to 2800 mAh). What you may not know is that there are a host of other types of AA batteries that use different materials internally, each having slightly different properties and uses. Today I’m going to be reviewing NiZN AA batteries from EBL.
What is it?
This is a set of 8 rechargeable Nickel-Zinc (NiZN) AA batteries with a charger. They have a 3000 mAh capacity, use 1.6v, and can be recharged 1000 times. EBL has been delivering batteries and chargers for 24 years, and their mission is “to deliver the highest quality and most reliable batteries possible.” They are headquartered in China.
What’s in the box?
Hardware specs
The specs of the batteries are:
The specs of the charger are:
Design and features
At a glance, these appear to be normal AA batteries with an attractive black and gold design. The size, however, is not the same size as standard AA batteries; the height is identical, but the diameter is slightly wider. Some gadgets have very tight spacing for their batteries, so these NiZN batteries could get stuck if I’m not careful.
The charger is made of plastic and has a matte black color. It’s a very simple, open-top design that is typical of chargers. The charger can recharge all eight batteries at once, and its size is not much bigger than the batteries themselves. It can also charge AAA NiZN batteries, though none are included in this package.
One word of caution: This charger is only designed for NiZN batteries; don’t use this with other types of batteries, and don’t put NiZN batteries in other types of chargers. I wish the batteries and the charger had a bright warning icon or label to this effect, as I think it will be all too easy for me to forget at some point and make this mistake.
Installation and setup
The batteries and charger arrived in a small, cardboard box.
The batteries were in a pair of plastic cases and the charger in bubble wrap; EBL did a good job protecting everything while in transit.
Using this charger could not be any simpler. I opened the plastic cases, removed the batteries, and popped them into position, taking care to put the positive terminal on top. The charger has ports for both USB-C and micro USB. Unfortunately, EBL took a short cut here and only included a micro USB cable, which is quite out of date at this point. I wish that they would drop the micro USB port and include a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.
I plugged the USB-A side into my Soundcore Wakey and the micro USB into the top of the charger. While charging, small LEDs above each battery turned red; when finished, they turned green.
Performance
Because these are NiZN batteries, there are a few differences from the alkaline or NiMH batteries that I typically buy. One, it has a nominal voltage of 1.6v, which is higher than normal AAs. When freshly charged, their terminal voltage can be slightly higher, around 1.85v, which can be hazardous to some gadgets. I need to be careful not to use them in any gadget whose circuitry could be sensitive to this higher voltage. Two, these batteries are ideal for high-drain devices, anything that uses a lot of power in a short period of time, like a portable video game player, a radio-controlled toy, or an external camera flash. Three, historically NiZN batteries have not held their charge very well once they’ve been cycled more than 50 times. Time will tell whether this is true of these batteries.
I tested the batteries in two devices. The first device was a pair of Craftsman LED lanterns. They’re designed for camping, but we tend to use them in the backyard while grilling on our Breeo. We often grill after the sun has set, so these lanterns are perfect when we need to check how well done our meat is or to see while eating. Each lantern takes six AA batteries, and on the highest setting can put out 500 lumens, more than bright enough to light up the back porch. When I replaced the alkaline batteries in one lantern with EBL’s NiZN batteries, I could see the difference. At each of the four settings, the lantern with the NiZN batteries was noticeably brighter than the one with alkaline batteries from Duracell. In the photo above, the lantern on the right has the NiZN batteries.
The second device was a Speedlite 430EX II, an external flash for my Canon DSLR camera that uses a set of four AA batteries. When repeatedly shooting flash photography, the batteries in my flash can drain in a hurry. The NiZN batteries had no problem powering the flash, even when firing repeatedly. I can’t tell that the pictures were brighter when compared to alkaline batteries from Duracell, but they worked without any problems. I would be happy to bring a couple sets of four to a photoshoot.
What I’d change
Final thoughts
NiZN batteries aren’t for everyone, but if you have a high-drain device, they can provide the power you need. I found that EBL’s batteries did a great job powering my lantern and my Speedlite, and despite their slightly larger diameter, I didn’t have any problems removing them from these gadgets. The charger’s very simple design worked exactly as expected. If you need a mess of NiZN AA’s, then I recommend looking at this gadget from EBL.
Price: 30.29 Where to buy: EBL and Amazon Source: The sample for this review was provided by EBL.
How Many Amps in a AA Battery? – 6 Examples Included
Batteries are extremely useful nowadays, and one of these types is the AA battery, commonly used in small electronics. We often use it, but there are times we fail to notice that its power has run out. This is mainly because we don’t know or cannot gauge how many amps in a AA battery.
In this case, the Ah and voltage chart below might be helpful. For detailed information about AA batteries, keep reading this article up to the end.
Battery | Volts | mAh |
Duracell Coppertop AA Batteries | 1.5 V | 2850 mAh |
Energizer Max AA Battery | 1.5 V | 2779 mAh |
Zinc Carbon AA battery | 1.5 V | 400 mAh – 1700 mAh |
Lithium Ion AA Battery | 3.7 V | 1500 mAh to 3000 mAh |
NiMH AA Battery | 1.2 V | Up to 2800 mAh |
How Many Amps Does a AA Battery Output?
The AA battery amps output depends on the connected gadget. It can deliver 1 or 2 amps if it’s required by the device. In this case, even if your battery can deliver 4 amps, it will only supply the current that your device needs, even if it is lower.
However, various battery types may have a limitation in the amp rating they can produce. Typically, an AA battery max current is only up to 9 amps. Furthermore, reaching this limit may result in the battery heating up, which may damage the device or cause injuries.
To give you some idea of the amps and volts as well as the watt hour rating of an AA battery, here is some information about the AA batteries currently available in the market today.
Volt
The volt or voltage of AA battery is the amount of pressure it can supply. Typically, a normal AA battery has a rating of 1.5 volts. However, there are also 1.2 volts primarily found in most rechargeable batteries.
Also, 3 to 3.7 volts are common for lithium batteries, since they are mainly used in high-drain applications.
Amp
Amp or amperage is the amount of current that AA batteries can supply. Usually, most AA batteries have a current supply of over 2 amps, depending on the ratings for different applications. This also implies that the higher the amperage of the battery, the more power it can deliver.
Watt Hour
The battery’s energy capacity is measured in watt hours. By getting this rating, you may find out how long your battery will last in a certain application. To calculate the AA battery capacity, use the formula:
Assume you have a 1.5V 2000 mAh AA battery. Before we begin the calculation, it is essential to understand that 1 Ah is equal to 1000 mAh. 1.5V multiplied by 2 Ah equals 3 Wh in this situation. This simply indicates that the battery has a storage capacity of 3 Wh or can power electronics rated at 3 watts for one hour.
Types of AA Batteries
Duracell Alkaline is one of the most popular varieties of AA batteries available today. It is a high capacity AA battery that provides longer-lasting energy than other brands. It typically has a capacity of 1800 to 2800 mAh and a voltage rating of 1.5 volts.
The Energizer Max is another famous Alkaline battery. Even though it does not last as long as the Duracell, this battery is still extremely reliable. It has a 1.5 volt rating and a capacity of around 1100 mAh.
Zinc Carbon is a dry cell type battery that utilizes zinc and manganese dioxide to generate an electric current. This 1.5v AA battery typically has a capacity rating ranging from 400 to 1700 mAh.
This battery type has become popular several years ago due to its rechargeable feature. It is utilized in various technologies, including mobile phones, toys, and even electric cars. It is also one of the most recent double A battery types.
This Li-ion AA battery voltage is typically higher than usual types of power cells. It may come at 3.7 volts with a capacity of more than 2000 mAh.
A NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery is similar to a Li-ion battery in that it may be recharged. However, unlike lithium batteries, it employs nickel-cadmium technology. Usually, it has a voltage of 1.2 volts and 1500 to 3000 mAh.
AA Battery History
Ever Ready was the first firm to introduce an AA battery in 1907. It was initially used to power old electronic devices such as flashlights and portable radios. Then it became standard for general electronics in the year 1947.
Nowadays, we still utilize AA batteries. In fact, common households might have this battery for their television remote control, wall clock, and children’s toys. Aside from the AA type, we now have a variety of batteries, including AAA, AAAA, C, D batteries, etc.
Common Misconceptions About Amps and Batteries
The Amps a Battery Produces, the Higher its Voltage.
No, there is no way that the battery amperage can affect the voltage rating. The amperage rating is the current that a battery can draw, while the voltage rating depends on the number of cells.
Therefore, the only thing that can increase the voltage rating is connecting 2 AA batteries, 3 AA batteries or more in series.
Higher CCAs are better
Batteries will only supply the cold cranking amps the car demands. Buying batteries with higher CCAs costs more money and is unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens When You Connect Batteries in Series?
When connected in series, batteries’ voltage will increase. As previously stated, a single-cell battery might be 1.5 or 1.2 volts. If you connect 8 AA batteries in series, the voltage will be 12v or 9.6v, but the amp rating will remain the same.
What Happens When You Connect 4 AA Batteries in Parallel?
An AA battery power voltage will not increase if four AA batteries are connected in parallel. However, the flow of current will increase. Their current may be four times higher based on the AA batteries specifications.
Conclusion
Knowing how many amps in a AA battery is quite handy. This allows you to determine how much current it can generate and how long it can last.
On the other hand, always keep in mind that some batteries may be hazardous to our environment. If you need to dispose of a dead battery, make sure to check with your local solid waste authority.
In addition, storing it with plastic or electrical tape is a good idea because battery types may generate sparks when their terminals come into contact.