LR44, AG13, 357, 303 and SR44 are all the same size of button battery: about 11.6 mm wide and 5.4 mm tall. They fit the same devices. The difference is chemistry. LR44 and AG13 are alkaline (1.5 V), while 357, 303 and SR44 are silver oxide (1.55 V). Silver oxide has a flatter discharge curve, so it is usually the better choice for watches and precision tools.
Energizer, which makes both types, lists its LR44 (A76) alkaline cell as a replacement for 157, 303, 357, AG13, EPX76, LR44, S76, SG13 and SR44. This guide explains what each name means, compares the two chemistries using Energizer’s data sheets, and shows when to pick which.
| LR44 (alkaline) | 357 / 303 / SR44 (silver oxide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 11.25-11.60 mm | 11.25-11.60 mm |
| Height (max) | 5.40 mm | 5.40 mm |
| Nominal voltage | 1.5 V | 1.55 V |
| Typical capacity | 150 mAh (to 0.9 V) | 150 mAh (to 1.2 V) |
| Weight | 2.4 g | 2.3 g |
| IEC code | LR44 | SR44 |
| Other names | AG13, A76 | 357, 303, SG13, EPX76 |
Are LR44 and 357 the same?
They are the same size, so they fit the same devices, but they are not the same battery. An LR44 is alkaline and a 357 is silver oxide. Energizer lists its LR44 as a replacement for the 357, so an LR44 will work in a device that takes a 357. In devices that need a very steady voltage, like watches and digital measuring tools, a silver oxide 357 is usually the better choice.
What the names mean
One button battery size has many names, because different standards and brands use different codes:
- LR44: the international (IEC) code for the alkaline cell. “L” means alkaline, “R” means round.
- SR44: the IEC code for the silver oxide cell. “S” means silver oxide.
- AG13: another common name for the alkaline cell, listed by Energizer as an equivalent.
- 357 and 303: common silver oxide names. Energizer sells one cell labelled 357/303.
- A76 and EPX76: Energizer’s own names for the alkaline (A76) and silver oxide (EPX76) versions.
- SG13: a silver oxide name for the same size.
US standards also give each cell an ANSI/NEDA number: Energizer lists the LR44 as 1166A and the 357/303 as 1131SO.
Alkaline vs silver oxide: which should you buy?
The main difference is how the voltage behaves as the battery runs down. Energizer’s LR44 data sheet shows its voltage falling from about 1.55 V when new to about 1.33 V at 40% used and about 1.20 V at 80% used. Energizer’s silver oxide technical manual says silver oxide cells have a flatter discharge curve than alkaline ones, and lists watches, calculators, hearing aids and electronic instruments as typical uses.
- Choose silver oxide (357, SR44): for watches, calculators, electronic measuring instruments and anything that needs a steady voltage.
- Choose alkaline (LR44, AG13): for toys and other simple gadgets, where cost matters more than a steady voltage.
Energizer also notes that its LR44 cell may bulge slightly as it discharges, though it stays within the standard maximum height.
Is LR44 the same as CR2032?
No. A CR2032 is a much wider, thinner 3-volt lithium coin cell (20 mm by 3.2 mm). An LR44 is a small, thick 1.5-volt button cell (11.6 mm by 5.4 mm). Two LR44 cells stacked together give about 3 volts, but only use a CR2032 instead of LR44s if the device maker says so. See our guide to CR2032 vs CR2025 vs CR2016 for the coin cell sizes.
Button battery safety
Button batteries are dangerous if swallowed, especially by young children. Keep new and used cells out of reach, choose devices with a secure battery cover, and get emergency medical help straight away if you think a child has swallowed one. In the US, Reese’s Law (2022) brought in mandatory rules for child-resistant battery compartments, packaging and warning labels.
Related guides: AA vs AAA batteries, how to test and replace smoke alarms, and what the “milli” in mAh means in our guide to metric prefixes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use LR44 instead of 357?
Yes, they are the same size, and Energizer lists its LR44 as a replacement for the 357. For watches and measuring tools, a silver oxide 357 usually works better because its voltage stays steadier.
Is AG13 the same as LR44?
Yes. AG13 is another name for the same size of alkaline button cell, and Energizer lists it as an equivalent of its LR44.
What is the difference between SR44 and LR44?
Chemistry and voltage. The SR44 is silver oxide (1.55 V) and the LR44 is alkaline (1.5 V). The size is the same.
Are 357 and 303 the same battery?
Both are silver oxide cells of the same size. Energizer sells a single cell labelled 357/303 with one data sheet.
What size is an LR44 battery?
About 11.6 mm in diameter and 5.4 mm tall, according to Energizer’s data sheet.
How long does an LR44 battery last?
It depends on the device. On Energizer’s test at a very low drain (7.5k ohm), an LR44 runs for about 900 hours to 0.9 V.
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