The D and C batteries are common types of batteries. They are cylindrical and one-time-use batteries. These batteries are part of different devices since they come with the same features and have different features. D batteries come with a larger size and capacity and are part of long-lasting power-needed devices. The C battery comes with a compact design and is used for medium-power devices. In this post, we will cover different features of both C and D batteries and find their differences. So let’s get started with D Battery vs. C Battery.
What is a D battery?
- The D battery is a standard-size dry cell battery that is part of electronic devices, and it comes with a cylinder-like shape and dimensions of 34.2 mm in diameter and 61.5 mm in length.
- D batteries are part of portable radios, flashlights, and devices where high power is needed for a longer time.
- The voltage range of the battery is 1.5 volts, and the capacity is about 18,000 milliampere-hours (mAh).
- D batteries are also called R20 and LR20 and are also known as mono batteries according to manufacturers.
- The high capacity and steady voltage output of the D battery are due to its larger size than other batteries.
- A larger size helps hold more inner chemical materials. It helps to store and provide more energy and is used for longer power-needed devices.
D Battery Chemistry
- D batteries have longer working features and provide longer energy storage. D batteries employ alkaline chemistry.
- This battery comes with a zinc anode and manganese dioxide cathode. It produces 1.5 volts.
- Alkaline D batteries used since have storage for more energy and work longer than other batteries.
- • Carbon-zinc batteries are low-cost batteries and do not store energy high.
- Nickel cadmium battery has recharging features, provides steady voltage, and comes with a memory effect. It means losing capacity if not completely discharged before recharging.
- NiMH battery is rechargeable and has features to handle more energy than NiCD battery.
What Is a C Battery?
- The C battery is a dry cell and comes with a round shape, and its dimensions are 26.2 mm wide and 50 mm long.
- This battery is part of different household devices such as flashlights, portable radios, etc.
- The voltage for this battery is 1.5 volts, and the capacity is 8000 mAh. It provides 8000 mAs of current in one hour.
- C battery other names R14, LR14. R14 is the standard size code, and LR14 is an alkaline battery.
- It is also called a baby battery since it is a smaller size than a D battery.
- The C battery comes with a metallic external casing that works as positive terminals and a central rod used as negative terminals.
- For energy generation, there is the chemical that exists in batteries.
- There are different types of C batteries, such as alkaline, zinc carbon, and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH).
Types of D Batteries
Alkaline D Batteries
- Alkaline D batteries are used since they have a longer working life. They are made with two materials, such as manganese dioxide and zinc.
- In this battery, manganese dioxide is on the positive side, and zinc is on the negative side.
- With a chemical reaction, electrical energy is produced in the battery. At the time of battery operation, manganese dioxide and zinc make a reaction that results in current flow.
- The flow of electrons causes a current that causes power.
- Alkaline D battery has a longer working life that helps to store power for a longer time without losing charge. So it is used for devices that are not commonly used.
- They can store high energy and provide larger power.
Carbon Zinc D Batteries
- Carbon zinc D battery is a low-cost option and is used in low-power devices like clocks, remote controls, and flashlights.
- This battery has a carbon rod and zinc casing, or negative component, and it has acidic materials that help the current flow.
- The main features of carbon zinc D batteries are low cost and best for low-cost users.
- Either it is low cost, but energy storage of carbon zinc batteries is less than alkaline batteries and has less energy and is replaced where high power is needed.
- Carbon zinc D batteries have a short working life and lose faster with time than alkaline batteries.
Lithium D Batteries
- Lithium D battery is used for providing high-performance requirements and is best for devices that need high power.
- This battery has a steady energy output and helps devices operate longer and smoother. The main feature of a battery is to provide a reliable power supply for different devices such as medical equipment and strong flashlights.
- The lithium D battery uses lithium chemistry and has low weight, and it is a highly reactive metal. The reactivity features of the battery provide higher energy storage than conventional alkaline batteries.’
- Lithium D battery has features for storing high energy in the same space and for longer uses.
- Lithium D battery keeps voltage output steady also when the battery drains.
Types of C Batteries
Alkaline C Batteries
- Alkaline C battery is used since it has good capacity and longer working life features and is easy to afford.
- This battery is used for medium drain devices such as flashlights, and remote controls.
- It is low capacity as compared to the D battery since it has a small size, and the C battery also provides good performance for household devices.
- C alkaline battery capacity is about 7,800 to 8,000 milliampere-hours (mAh).
- This battery provides power to devices that do not need continuous power but need a steady supply of power with time.
- • An alkaline C battery has a longer working life, and it can store charge for 10 years. So it keeps backups without losing power fastly.
Carbon-zinc C batteries
- Carbon zinc battery is an older type that was replaced with new technology. This battery is part of devices where low power is needed since it has limited energy capacity and a small working life.
- The main feature of this battery is low cost. So the best option for low-drain devices.
- Carbon batteries come with a zinc anode and manganese dioxide cathode with acidic electrolyte and normally have ammonium chloride or zinc chloride. This chemical composition limited their working for high-drain uses.
- When used for high-drain devices like digital cameras, carbon-zinc batteries discharged fastly.
- These batteries come with a shorter working life than alkaline or lithium batteries. It means they will lose charge with time and also when not in use. It is not a good option to use for devices where instant power is needed.
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) C Batteries
- Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) C batteries have recharging features and provide high power like digital cameras and portable audio devices.
- This battery comes with high starting costs, and features of recharging make them low-cost for the longer run.
- The main feature of NiMH C batteries is a lower self-discharge rate than older recharging batteries such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd).
- If not in use, store charge for a longer time and be reliable for infrequent uses. NiMH batteries have features for storing high energy and providing steady power with the longer time that is best for high-drain applications.
- The chemistry of the battery is charged and discharged many times without losing capacity, increases working life, and minimizes frequent replacements.
- The working voltage of the battery is 1.2 volts, which is less compared to the standard alkaline battery, 1.5 volts.
- It is used for high power needed vices since it has high current. The capacity for this battery is 2,200 to 4,500 milliampere-hours (mAh).
AA vs C vs D battery
Size:
- • The AA battery size is smaller than C and D batteries; it is 50.5 mm in length and 14.5 mm in diameter. So it is best to use for low-power devices such as remote controls and gaming consoles.
- C battery comes with a 50mm length and 26.2mm diameter. This battery is for devices where higher power is needed than AA batteries, like medium-sized flashlights or certain toys.
- D battery dimensions are 61.5 mm length and 34.2 mm in diameter. It is used for high-drain devices like flashlights and portable radios.
Weight:
- AA battery weight is 23 grams in alkaline type. Its lightweight makes them useful for devices such as TV remotes or digital cameras.
- C battery weight is 65 grams and has good size and power features. It is used for radio and medium-sized flashlights.
- D weight battery is 140 grams and heavier than the other two. This battery’s high weight helps to use it for devices with high power needs, such as high-drain uses and larger flashlights.
Voltage
- • An AA battery has 1.5 volts, which is good for small household devices. It has less capacity than C and D batteries and needs to be replaced when used for high-drain devices.
- C and D batteries provide 1.5 volts of power and store more energy than AA batteries.
Capacity
- AA battery capacity in the range of 1,800 to 2,850 mAh and is used for low-drain devices such as remotes, but for high-drain devices, it gets drained fast.
- C batteries come with a high capacity of about 6,000 to 8,000 mAh and are used for medium-drain devices such as toys and provide longer power than AA batteries.
- D batteries provide high capacity in a range of 12,000 to 18,000 mAh. It is used for high-drain devices where constant power is needed for a longer time, such as industrial equipment.
Shape
- Either all have different sizes, but AA, C, and D come with a cylinder shape. This design helps to use for household devices and easily fits into battery compartments. Larger-size batteries store more energy.
Rechargeable features
- The AA rechargeable batteries are common and recharged for 1000 cycles. It is best to use it it for a wireless controller or digital camera and provide low-cost options.
- • C rechargeable batteries come with a higher capacity than AA batteries and are part of medium drain devices. It comes with a longer working life and is used for toys, flashlights, and radios.
- • The rechargeable battery is used for high-drain uses and has a lower starting capacity than alkaline batteries.
Lifespan
- AA battery low-drain devices that were used for several months in remote. For high-drain applications has a short working life for hours to days.
- C batteries have a longer working life than AA batteries, especially for medium-drain devices such as radios. It can work for weeks to months based on power requirements.
- D batteries are used for high-drain devices and work for several months in radio and heavy-duty devices.
Chemistry
- All three batteries, AA, C, and D, come in alkaline, lithium, and NiMH chemistries.
- Alkaline batteries are common and provide good performance for devices.
- Lithium batteries are lightweight, work well in extreme conditions, and are used for outdoor devices where reliable power is needed.
- NiMH battery is a rechargeable battery and comes in AA, C, and D batteries and has good working performance.
C-Cell Battery Chemistries Chart
| Chemistry | Typical Label | Rechargeable | Typical Capacity (Ah) | Nominal Voltage (V) |
| Zinc-Carbon | R14 | No | 2-4 | 1.5 |
| Alkaline | LR14 | No (Mostly No) | 6-8 | 1.5 |
| NiCd | KR14 | Yes | 1.5-3 | 1.2 |
| NiMH | HR14 | Yes | 4-6 | 1.2 |
| Li-SOCl2 | ER 26500 | No | 7-9 | 3.6 |
| Li-FeS2 | – | No | 8-11 | 1.8 |
| Lithium | – | Yes | 2-4 | 1.5 |
| Lithium | 26500 | Yes | 3-6 | 3.2-3.7V |
D-Cell Battery Chemistries Chart
| Chemistry | Typical Label | Rechargeable | Typical Capacity (Ah) | Nominal Voltage (V) |
| Zinc-Carbon | R20, 13D | No | 6-8 | 1.5 |
| Alkaline | LR20, 13A | No | 10-18 | 1.5 |
| NiCd | KR20 | Yes | 2-6 | 1.2 |
| NiMH | HR20, B006 | Yes | 8-12 | 1.2 |
| Li-SOCl2 | ER 34615 | No | 18-19 | 3.6 |
| Li-FeS2 | – | No | 18-24 | 1.8 |
| Lithium | – | Yes | 4-8 | 1.5 |
| Lithium | 32600 | Yes | 5-10 | 3.2-3.7V |
Can AA, C, and D batteries be interchanged?
Size
- The main cause that we cannot replace them is that they all have size differences. AA, C, and D batteries have different lengths and diameters and are not used for space-defining all batteries.
Adapters Compatibility:
- Some battery adapters that support small devices AA batteries are not used for D batteries.
- If we use a small battery for the compartment of a larger battery, the power demand of the device will be considered. Devices that need C or D batteries use high capacity and longer run time these larger batteries provide.
Are D batteries like LR20?
- D battery comes with a D cell label, MN1300, R20, MX1300, LR20, etc., and comes in a cylinder shape. Its dimensions are 61.5 x 34.2 mm with different chemistries. LR20 batteries are D cell batteries with alkaline chemistry.
Are LR20 and R20 batteries the same?
- Lr20 and R20 are D cell batteries, but the LR20 battery is a D-cell battery that has alkaline chemistry, and R20 is a D-cell battery that has zinc-carbon chemistry.
- • The LR14 battery is a C cell battery that has alkaline chemistry. An R14 battery is a C cell battery that has zinc-carbon chemistry.
Are rechargeable C and D batteries used?
- Rechargeable C-cell and D cell batteries are important for devices that frequently need batteries, such as flashlights or toys.
- These batteries have recharging features, reduce waste, and are low-cost options.
- For devices that work with C or D batteries, rechargeable options are best to use.
- Make sure before using that devices connected are supporting rechargeable batteries for optimal performance.
- Mostly rechargeable C and D batteries use certain battery chargers, but some new types of C and D batteries get charged with a USB cable.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
Can we replace C with D batteries?
- No, we cannot use C battery for D battery since D battery is a larger size and has high power. If we use C batteries for D battery devices, it can cause the device not to work properly.
Is the 1.5 V battery C or D?
- The 1.5V battery is a C or D battery; these two batteries come with 1.5 volts of power and have different sizes and capacities.
Which battery is larger, size C or D?
- The D battery is a larger size compared to the C battery; the D battery has a larger diameter and length than the C battery.
What is C vs D size batteries?
- The C and D battery sizes are their physical size and power capacity. D batteries are larger and store more power, while C batteries are small in size and used for medium-power devices.
How do I know if the battery is C or D?
- We can define that the battery is C or D by finding their size and labels on the battery. The C battery is 26.2 mm wider and 50 mm longer, and the D battery is 34.2 mm wider and 61 mm longer.
Are D and C batteries the same?
- D and C batteries look the same but are different in size and capacity. D battery dimensions are 61.5 mm in length and 33.2 2mm in diameter, and C battery dimensions are 50.0mm in length and 26.2 2mm in diameter.
- D battery capacity is about 8,000 and 18,000 mAh, and CC battery capacity is 6,000 to 8,000 mAh.
Can C batteries work in D?
- We can use a C battery for a D battery but use an adapter since they have similar voltage
Can AA be used for C batteries?
- • An AA battery is used as a replacement for C batteries through the use of an adapter. AA batteries have less capacity than C batteries.
Are C batteries still used?
- C batteries are used for flashlights, toys, and portable radios.
Are C batteries stronger than AA?
- C battery has a higher capacity than AA battery and is used for higher-drain applications.
What is the advantage of D batteries?
- D batteries provide a longer working life and high capacity and are part of high-power-needing devices like boom boxes.
How long do C batteries last?
- C battery has a working life from some hours to several days based on the device power needed.
Is a 1.5-volt battery C or D?
- C and D batteries are 1.5 volts like AA and AAA batteries.The basic difference is the size and capacity of batteries.
Which batteries last longer?
- D batteries work longer compared to C, AA, and AAA batteries because they come with high capacity.
Are D batteries the biggest?
- D batteries are larger than C batteries and are part of larger industries.
What is the size of C-size batteries?
- C battery dimensions are 26.2 mm in diameter and 50 mm in height.
Do C and D batteries have the same voltage?
- C and D batteries come with 1.5 volts with different capacities.
