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Home › Can I swap? › 1/2 AA vs R6
Can I swap?

1/2 AA vs R6: can you swap them?

1The short answer2Both ways3Differences4Buy it5Learn more
  1. 1

    The short answer

    NoNo, don’t swap theseThey give different amounts of power (3 volts vs 1.5 volts). The wrong one can damage your device or simply won’t work.
    1/2 AA
    1/2 AAShort and chunky, about 2.5 cm long
    R6
    R6The same size as an AA
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  2. 2

    Both ways round

    Can I put R6 where 1/2 AA goes?No
    Can I put 1/2 AA where R6 goes?No
  3. 3

    What’s different

    1/2 AAR6
    SizeShort and chunky, about 2.5 cm longThe same size as an AA Same
    LengthShort and chunky, about 2.5 cm longThe same size as an AA
    Power3 volts1.5 volts
    KindCamera & alarm batteryRegular battery

    Lasts longer: R6 (about 69% longer)

  4. 4

    Where to buy 1/2 AA

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    Amazon searchEnergizer listings, any pack sizeSearch Amazon for Energizer 1/2 AA
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    Amazon searchMulti-packs from any brandSearch Amazon for 1/2 AA multi-packs
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    Amazon searchDuracell listings, the same batterySearch Amazon for Duracell 1/2 AA
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  5. 5

    Learn more

    About 1/2 AAAbout R6Check another pair
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Questions people ask

Can I use R6 instead of 1/2 AA?

No. They give different amounts of power (3 volts vs 1.5 volts). The wrong one can damage your device or simply won’t work.

Can I use 1/2 AA instead of R6?

No. They give different amounts of power (3 volts vs 1.5 volts). The wrong one can damage your device or simply won’t work.

Which one lasts longer?

R6 (about 69% longer).

All the numbers

1/2 AAR6
Diameter14.5 mm14.5 mm
Height25.0 mm50.5 mm
Nominal voltage3.0V1.5V
Typical capacity650 mAh1100 mAh
ChemistryLithium manganese dioxideCarbon-zinc
Shelf life10 yrs5 yrs
Operating temp-40 to 60 °C-10 to 60 °C
Can I use R6 instead of 1/2 AA?No
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1The short answer2Both ways3Differences4Buy it5Learn more