Hello readers welcome to new posts. In this post we will discuss AA vs AAA Battery: What Is the Difference? Maybe you have used an electronic device or toy’s small battery that is AA and AAA batteries. They are commonly used in different devices such as remote controls, cameras, and speakers. etc. These two batteries look similar but come with many differences.. In this post we will discuss different parameters to find their differences so let’s get started with AA vs AAA Battery: What Is the Difference?
AA vs AAA Batteries: What Is the Difference?
AA Batteries
What are AA batteries?
The AA is an indication of battery size that is physical dimensions. The shape of the AA battery is a small size cylinder.THe ANSI deinfes AA batterries as
- The height of the AA battery is about 49.2 mm minimum and the highest length is 50.5mm.
- its diameter is 13.55mm to 15.5mm
The main dimensions of this battery are the height diameter of the positive pin of the battery and the diameter of the negative pin. The positive pin height is one millimeter and the diameter is 5.5mm. negative pin diameter is 7mm.
AA battery comes with single cells but they have different anode, cathode, or electrolytes. AA batteries are dry cells since their electrolyte is not liquid.
Capacity and voltage
It has different chemistry like t lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable nickel metal hydride. its voltage value is about 1.5 volts lithium and NiMH AA batteries come with 1.5 volts and 1.2 volts values. Capacity value is from 1200mAh in case of alkaline and larger about 2900 milliampere-hours for NiMH batteries
AA Battery Common applications
AA batteries are commonly used in differnt devices and toys
- Remote controls
- Portable audio players
- Toys and gaming controllers
- Flashlights
- Digital cameras
- Wireless computer peripherals
Types of AA Batteries
The AA batteries can be both primary and secondary batteries. The potential difference between the electrodes of the primary AA battery is about 1.5 volts and the Secondary AA battery has 1.2 volts.
Zinc caron is a simple and common type of AA battery in primary mode. In this battery zinc is an anode and a mixture of carbon and manganese dioxide is the cathode of this battery.
Ammonium chloride electrolytes of this battery and some batteries are heavy duty and come with zinc chloride as an electrolyte.
Electrolyte has an acidic nature. Primary AA batteries have Potassium hydroxide that is used as an electrolyte. Such batteries are called alkaline batteries.
For secondary or rechargeable AA batteries, two types is Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.
NiCd batteries Cadmium metal is used as an anode and nickel oxide hydroxide is the cathode. The electrolyte is normally Potassium Hydroxide (alkaline).
Types of AA Batteries
Type | Chemistry | Voltage | Capacity (mAh) | Rechargeable |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alkaline | Zinc-manganese dioxide | 1.5 | 1450to 3300 | No |
Lithium | Lithium-iron disulfide | 1.5 | 110 to 3000 | No |
NiMH | Nickel metal hydride | 1.2 | 1500 to 3000 | Yes |
Li-ion | Lithium-ion | 3.6 to 3.7 | 1000 to 3300 | Yes |
AAA Batteries
The AAA battery is cylindrical as the AA battery. The height and diameter of the AAA battery is less as compared to the AA battery. ANSI set dimensions for AA batteries that are
- AAA battery height is 43.3 to 44.5mm
- The diameter is 9.5mm to 10.5mm
The height of the positive pin is 0.8mm to 3.8mm. The minimum diameter of the negative pin is 4.3mm. Like AA batteries AAA batteries also come in primary and secondary types.
AAA batteries are smaller in size than AA batteries. So their capacity is also less than AA batteries since they have small sizes of electrodes and electrolytes.
Some common types of AAA batteries are.
AAA Primary (Non-rechargeable) :
- Zinc Carbon= 500 to 600 mAh
- Alkaline=800 to 1,300 mAh
AAA Secondary (Non-rechargeable) :
- Nickel Cadmium= 300 to 500 mAh
- Nickel Metal Hydride= 600 to 1,300 mAh
Capacity and voltage
These batteries also come in lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable NiMH chemistries. Alkaline AAA batteries is 1.5 volts, while lithium and NiMH AAA batteries have voltage values of 1.5 volts and 1.2 volts. The capacity of AAA batteries lies from 600 mAh to 1,000 mAh for alkaline and high-capacity NiMH batteries respectively
AAA Battery applications
- TV and DVD remote controls
- Digital thermometers
- Portable gaming devices
- Cordless phones
- Wireless computer mice
- Blood glucose meters
AAA Batteries Types
Type | Chemistry | Voltage | Capacity | Rechargeable |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alkaline | Zinc-carbon | 1.5 V | 1000 to 2700 mAh | No |
NiMH | Nickel-metal hydride | 1.2 V | 1500 to 3000 mAh | Yes |
Li-ion | Lithium-ion | 3.7 V | 700 to 2000 mAh | Yes |
LiFePO4 | Lithium iron phosphate | 3.2 V | 1000 to 2000 mAh | Yes |
Key Differences: aa battery vs aaa
Battery Size
- The basic difference is the battery size. AA battery is larger than the AAA battery. If we compare the height of AA and AAA batteries that is about 50.5mm for AA and 44.5mm for AAA. The diameter of the AA battery is 14.5mm and the AAA battery is 10.5 mm.
Chemistry
- These two batteries come with the same chemistry and have the same anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes.AA battery has a larger size so it has large chemicals. That affects on chemical energy of batteries. The chemistry of the battery affects on shelf life. Zinc carbon batteries have 3 to five years of chemistry. Alkaline batteries have a five to ten-year shelf life.
Capacity
Larger-size battery AA has high energy as compared to AAA battery. The alkaline battery of AA type has a capacity of about 3000 mAh and the AAA battery has a 1300 mAh capacity. The AA battery is high power as compared to the AAA battery
Uses
AA battery is used in high power uses since has a high capacity for example in fighting, motor, toys, etc. AAA battery is used in remote controls and game controllers. AA batteries are now used in cameras and flashlight, since has high-energy density.
Primary Battery Vs Secondary Battery
Feature | Primary Battery | Secondary Battery |
---|---|---|
Can be recharged | No | Yes |
Lifespan | One use | Different uses |
Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
Power output | Low | Higher |
Self-discharge rate | High | Low |
Environmental impact | High | Low |
Applications | Used in devices that need less power | it is used in devices that use high-power |
aaa vs aa Batteries
Feature | AA | AAA |
---|---|---|
Size | 14.5 x 50.5 mm | 10.5 x 44.5 mm |
Volume | 8.3 cm³ | 3.8 cm³ |
Weight | 23 g | 13 g |
Voltage | 1.5 V | 1.5 V |
Capacity | 1400 to 3500 mAh | 600 to 1200 mAh |
Current | 1.5 to 2 A | 0.5 to 1 A |
Applications | remote controls, Flashlights, toys, cameras, radios, etc. | game controllers, Remote controls, clocks, smoke sensors, etc. |
Cost | costly | less expensive |
Is the Voltage Of AA and AAA Batteries Different?
No, these two batteries have the same voltage. Both battery voltage is 1.5 volts. That means if we use any new battery it will have 1.5 volts. But when battery discharge voltage is reduced. The voltage for AA or AAA battery for full charge is one volt
How Much Do AA and AAA Batteries Cost?
The cost of AA and AAA batteries is based on quantity, type, and brand. Normally AA battery is more costly than AAA battery
Average prices of AA and AAA batteries in the United States:
Battery Type | Alkaline Price | Rechargeable Price |
---|---|---|
AA | $0.60 to $1.00 per battery | $1.00 to $2.00 per battery |
AAA | $0.50 to $0.80 per battery | $1.00 to $1.50 per battery |
Difference Between Rechargeable And Primary Batteries
Feature | Rechargeable | Primary |
---|---|---|
Can be recharged | Yes | No |
Lifespan | Can last for hundreds of cycles | Can only be used once |
Initial cost | Higher | Lower |
Cost per cycle | Lower | Higher |
Environmental impact | Lower | Higher |
Applications | Devices that need frequent use or long battery life | Devices that have a short battery life |
Are AA And AAA Interchangeable?
aaa battery vs aa, are not interchangeable in the form of their size. AA battery is larger than AAA battery and not used for AAA-compatible devices. Though AAA batteries can be used for AA-compatible devices. It means we can use AAA batteries for AA batteries but not AA used for AAA battery devices.
In the case of voltage, these two batteries are similar. Their nominal volts are 1.5 volts. Though AAA battery has less capacity than an AA battery. It means that an AAA battery will not work for longer than AA battery in devices that need a larger power
NiCd AA vs. AAA battery
Nickel-cadmium AA and AA batteries are the oldest battery that can be rechargeable. Nicd battery has 1.2vols and capacity is about 300-500 mAh for AAA and 600-1000 mAh for AA batteries.
Nicd batteries are less costly and reliable batteries have high currents, since they have high memory effects, come with toxic metals, and have small charging cycles.
What lasts longer, AA or AAA batteries?
AA battery is larger and comes with high capacity and less inner resistance, so it works for longer since both have some chemistry.
Is an AA battery stronger than AAA?
The less inner resistance and high volumes AA is stronger thatn an AAA battery. AA offers strong curent and has less losses as compared to AAA battery.
Can we use AA batteries instead of AAA?
AA battery is larger in size as compared to AAA battery so not used for AAA battery operated devices.
How many AAA batteries equal an AA battery?
2-2.5 AAA batteries have the same capacity as one AA battery.
Can we use AAA batteries as AA?
Yes AAA battery can be used to an AA battery so AAA can replaced with an AA battery. But the fact that AAA has less capacity and features to offer high current than AA.
Read Also:
- What are a76 battery equivalent, Features, uses and advantages
- What Battery is Equivalent to sr920sw
- Key Knowledge of AAA Battery Voltage, Capacity, Size & Dimensions
- 2024 Comprehensive Guide on 3s lipo Battery & its Applications, Pros & Cons
- How Much Does a Car Battery Cost? 2024 Detailed Guide
- How Much Do Car Batteries Weigh? (Different Battery Types)
FAQS
Difference between AA and AAA batteries
-
Characteristic AA Battery AAA Battery Size Larger Smaller Capacity 2000-3000 mAh 350-1200 mAh Duration Longer Shorter Usage High-drain devices Low-drain devices Shelf Life 10 years 10 years Output Voltage 1.2-1.5 volts 1.2-1.5 volts Cost More expensive Less expensive
Which is better AA or AAA batteries?
It is based on the device where you have to use these batteries. If a device needs larger power then an AA battery is used for less power AAA battery used
What is the difference between AA and AAAA batteries?
The basic difference between AA and AAAA batteries is their size. AA batteries are larger than AAAA batteries. AAAA batteries are also called micro batteries.
Why are batteries called AA and AAA?
The letters “AA” and “AAA” are just shows that are used to define the size of the batteries. They do not have any certain meaning.
Is it OK to use AAA batteries instead of AA?
Yes, it is OK to use AAA batteries instead of AA in some applications. However, some devices just used AA batteries. In these cases, using AAA batteries will not be used
What is the disadvantage of an AA battery?
The main disadvantage of AA batteries is their size. They are larger than AAA batteries, so they use larger space in different devices
Are AAA batteries high quality?
AAA batteries can be high quality. There are many brands of AAA batteries, and some of them are better than others. It is important to select a famous brand
Which battery lasts the longest?
In general, AA batteries work for a longer duration than AAA batteries. As the capacity of the AA battery is larger. The operating life of a battery is based on different factors like the structure of the battery chemical behavior and devices
How long can an AAA battery last?
The lifespan of an AAA battery is based on parameters like the type of battery, battery chemistry, and the device that the battery is used in. Though, an AAA battery can last for some hours to some days
How many years does a AAA battery last?
A AAA battery life can be five to ten years
Can AA battery last 10 years?
lithium AA batteries have a longer operating life, from 5 to 10 years,
How many hours does an AAA battery last?
The number of hours that an AAA battery lasts based type of battery, the chemistry of the battery, and the device that the battery is used. But, an AAA battery can last for several hours to several days. For instance, an AAA battery can last for about eight hours in a flashlight or two to three days in a remote control.