Battery Sizes Explained: IEC & ANSI Naming Conventions

Wiki Article

Have you ever looked at a battery and wondered what all those letters and numbers mean? You're not alone. Battery sizes can be confusing, especially with terms like AA, AAA, LR6, or 24A. Different systems are used around the world, and two of the most common naming systems are the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute). Understanding these can help you choose the right battery for your needs. Learn more in this short and easy guide.

Let’s start with the IEC system. The IEC uses a code that might seem complicated at first but actually gives useful info about the battery. For example, "LR6" is the IEC name for a standard AA battery. “L” stands for alkaline, “R” means round (as in a cylindrical shape), and "6" is the size code. So next time you see something like CR2032, it’s actually an IEC code too—used for coin cell batteries. In that case, “C” stands for lithium, “R” means round, and the numbers show the size: 20mm diameter and 3.2mm thick.

Now let’s look at the ANSI system, which is more common in the United States. ANSI uses more straightforward numeric codes. For instance, a typical AA battery is called “15A” and a AAA battery is “24A.” These numbers don’t tell you as much about the shape or chemistry, but they’re used widely, especially on packaging and in stores in the U.S.

You might see both IEC and ANSI names on the same battery packaging. A pack of AA batteries might say LR6 / 15A. They're the same battery, just labeled in both systems to make things easier for everyone.

Here’s a quick tip: if you’re replacing batteries and can’t find an exact match, checking both naming systems can help you find the right type. Look closely at the labels or try a quick online search using either code.

Battery naming might seem like just a jumble of letters and numbers, but with a little knowledge, it becomes much more clear. Knowing what these codes stand for helps you choose the right battery for your devices, saving time and avoiding frustration.