AA batteries are cylindrical cells with physical dimensions (diameter x length) of 14.5 x 50.5 mm (0.57 x 1.99 inches).

Its standard label is "AA", but other labels are also used, usually depending on the country, chemistry, standard, etc., including U12, HP7, Penlight, Mignon, MV1500, MN1500, MX1500, Type 316, LR6, 15A, R6, 15D, FR6, 15LF, etc.

As you can see from the table, AA batteries vary in chemistry, capacity, voltage, and other characteristics, and "most importantly" new types of batteries are introduced over time.

MORE: How To Choose UPS Power Backup and Install

https://www.bestbatterypro.com/how-choose-ups-power-backup-install/

AA battery voltage
The voltage of an AA battery depends on the battery chemistry and is expressed in volts (V):

- 1.2V: AA NiCd and NiMH batteries,

- 1.5 V: Zinc carbon batteries, alkaline batteries, NiOOH batteries and some AA lithium batteries with built-in DC-DC converters.

- 1.6-1.65V: Nickel zinc AA battery,

- 3.0 V: AA lithium manganese battery,

- 3.2 V: AA LiFePO4 battery,

- 3.5-3.6V: AA Li-SOCl2 battery,

- 3.6-3.7V: Lithium-ion AA battery.

https://www.bestbatterypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/nca-vs-ncm-nca-battery-characteristics-and-comparison.jpg

AA battery capacity (mAh)
The capacity of AA batteries also depends on the battery chemistry and is expressed in milliampere hours (mAh); capacity varies widely from 500mAh to 3300+mAh.

Fortunately, the most common battery types are alkaline (primary, non-rechargeable) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH, secondary, rechargeable), but AA lithium batteries are gaining in popularity.

MORE: Advances In Lithium-Ion Batteries: Advantages of Choosing Pouch Cells

https://www.bestbatterypro.com/advantages-of-choosing-pouch-cells/

Non-rechargeable AA batteries
Non-rechargeable AA batteries include zinc carbon, alkaline, Li-FeS2 and NiOOH.

AA zinc carbon batteries are an older battery type with a nominal voltage of 1.5 V and a typical capacity of 600 to 1600 mAh.

Actual capacity depends on the battery's intended use (low consumption, high consumption) and battery design.

Zinc-carbon batteries are being replaced by alkaline batteries due to their slightly lower capacity.

https://www.bestbatterypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ncm-vs-nca-batteries-which-is-better.jpg

AA alkaline batteries are pretty much standard AA batteries. They are based on the reaction between metallic zinc and manganese dioxide, have a nominal voltage of 1.5 V and capacities typically in the range of 1800 to 2700 mAh.

Alkaline batteries have higher capacity (and therefore higher energy density) and longer life at nearly the same voltage than zinc-carbon batteries.

Note: Alkaline batteries are specially designed to be rechargeable multiple times, but not standard alkaline batteries. They are usually labeled RAM (Alkaline Manganese Rechargeable) batteries. Unless otherwise stated, alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable primary batteries.

https://www.bestbatterypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/battery-polarization-types-and-elimination-methods-of-battery-polarization-phenomenon.jpg

NiOOH or nickel oxyhydroxide battery is a type of alkaline battery in which nickel oxyhydroxide is added to manganese dioxide and graphite as a cathode, resulting in high leakage. The typical voltage when used is 1.5V and the maximum voltage is 1.7V.

NiOOH batteries have a very similar capacity to standard alkaline batteries but can be depleted using a stronger current and are often used in high consumption devices such as cameras and the like.

MORE: 7.4V 5Ah Lithium ion Battery Pack 18650 Battery Pack for Electrical Tools

https://www.bestbatterypro.com/product/7-4v-5ah-lithium-battery-pack-18650/

Li-FeS2 or Lithium Iron Disulfide is a non-rechargeable AA lithium battery with a typical voltage of 1.5 V and a maximum open circuit voltage of up to 1.8 V in high leakage applications. Its typical capacity ranges from 2700 - 3300 mAh, offering excellent capacity and energy density for non-rechargeable AA batteries.

Another very important property of Li-FeS2 batteries is their extremely long service life of up to 20 years, making them a popular choice for reserve, medical, backup, security, EDC (everyday carry) devices and applications, and more.

Li-FeS2 AA batteries are commonly used in devices such as cameras, flashlights, sirens, etc.

When choosing the best primary AA batteries, don't forget to consider the type of equipment you have: some can tolerate large differences in input voltage, but others can't.

A lithium thionyl chloride battery (Li-SOCL2) is a non-rechargeable AA battery with a nominal voltage of 3.5 to 3.6 volts, an OCV (open circuit voltage) of approximately 3.65 volts, and a rated capacity of 2400 to 2700 mAh.

MORE: 7.4V 3.2Ah Lithium ion Battery Pack Hot Sale Factory Direct Price

https://www.bestbatterypro.com/product/7-4v-3-2ah-lithium-battery-pack-hot-sale/

Lithium thionyl chloride (Li-SOCL2) AA batteries are not directly compatible with 1.5V AA batteries and should not be used in devices designed for 1.5V AA batteries only.

In addition to this, AA lithium thionyl chloride (Li-SOCL2) batteries also have very good energy density and an ultra-long service life of 10 to 20 years.

The lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) battery is a non-rechargeable AA battery with a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, a cut-off voltage of 2.0 volts, and a typical capacity of 2000mAh.

Typical labels for lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) batteries include 14505, CR AA, etc.

https://www.bestbatterypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/flexible-battery-management-system-bms-reference-design.jpg

Lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) batteries have a service life of 10 years or more.

Additionally, modern CR AA batteries do not contain harmful chemicals or heavy and toxic metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, etc.

Since their voltage is 3.0V, CR AA batteries should not be used in devices that only work with 1.5V AA batteries.

Bottom line: If you need good quality primary (non-rechargeable) AA batteries, use a reputable brand of AA alkaline batteries. These batteries offer stable voltage, long service life, and good capacity at an affordable price.

MORE: 3.7V 10Ah Lithium ion Battery Pack OEM 18650 Li-Ion Battery Packs Rechargeable

https://www.bestbatterypro.com/product/3-7v-10ah-lithium-battery-pack-oem-18650/

Rechargeable AA batteries

Rechargeable AA batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and lithium-ion.

NiCd or Nickel Cadmium batteries are an older type of rechargeable battery with a nominal voltage of 1.2 V and a capacity of 600 to 1000 mAh.

Nickel-cadmium batteries also exhibit strong memory effects and high self-discharge rates, and can also deliver high currents without adversely affecting the battery.