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

AA vs 1/2 AA: 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 (1.5 volts vs 3 volts). The wrong one can damage your device or simply won’t work.
    AA
    AAThe same size as an AA
    1/2 AA
    1/2 AAShort and chunky, about 2.5 cm long
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  2. 2

    Both ways round

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

    What’s different

    AA1/2 AA
    SizeThe same size as an AAShort and chunky, about 2.5 cm long Same
    LengthThe same size as an AAShort and chunky, about 2.5 cm long
    Power1.5 volts3 volts
    KindEveryday AA batteryCamera & alarm battery

    Lasts longer: AA (about 315% longer)

  4. 4

    Where to buy AA

    As an Amazon Associate, KnowYourBatteries.com earns from qualifying purchases.

    Amazon searchEnergizer listings, any pack sizeSearch Amazon for Energizer E91
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    Amazon searchMulti-packs from any brandSearch Amazon for AA multi-packs
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    Amazon searchDuracell MN1500 listings, the same batterySearch Amazon for Duracell MN1500
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  5. 5

    Learn more

    About AAAbout 1/2 AACheck another pair
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Questions people ask

Can I use 1/2 AA instead of AA?

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

Can I use AA instead of 1/2 AA?

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

Which one lasts longer?

AA (about 315% longer).

All the numbers

AA1/2 AA
Diameter14.5 mm14.5 mm
Height50.5 mm25.0 mm
Nominal voltage1.5V3.0V
Typical capacity2700 mAh650 mAh
ChemistryAlkalineLithium manganese dioxide
Shelf life10 yrs10 yrs
Operating temp-18 to 55 °C-40 to 60 °C
Can I use 1/2 AA instead of AA?No
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1The short answer2Both ways3Differences4Buy it5Learn more