What is the difference between AA and AAA batteries?

AI Thread Summary
AA and AAA batteries differ primarily in physical size and energy storage capacity, with AA batteries holding more energy than AAA. Both types provide the same voltage of 1.5V under light loads, but the total voltage differs when configured in series; 3 AAA batteries yield approximately 4.5V, while 4 AA batteries produce around 6V. AA batteries can output more current due to their lower internal resistance, which is influenced by the battery technology used. The capacity of AA batteries typically ranges from 1800 to 2600 mAh, while AAA batteries range from 860 to 1200 mAh. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the appropriate battery for specific devices.
sivaswetha
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
What is the difference between AA and AAA batteries? Will the output voltage of 3 AAA and 4AA be same?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Yes. They have the same voltage, but AA batteries store more energy than AAA.
 
Ok.thank you
 
sivaswetha said:
What is the difference between AA and AAA batteries?

Physical size and energy storage capacity. The voltage on light loads will be the same = 1.5V for alkaline cells.
Will the output voltage of 3 AAA and 4AA be same?

No. The voltage of 3AAA will be around 4.5V and 4AA will be around 6V.
 
CWatters said:
and 4AA will be around 6V.

as will 4 AAA 's
 
Jumping onto his thread for a question I had, will AA batteries output more current than AAA will?
 
CWatters said:
No. The voltage of 3AAA will be around 4.5V and 4AA will be around 6V.
Caveat being that the OP didn't specify series or parallel wiring, so we can't be sure which is the right answer.
 
Karmaslap said:
Jumping onto his thread for a question I had, will AA batteries output more current than AAA will?
More total energy for sure, more current probably -- that's a function of internal resistance of the battery, which should be lower for the AA.
 
  • Like
Likes Karmaslap
Depends on the battery technology, so let's talk alkaline.

The difference between AA and AAA alkaline batteries is the physical size and the capacity, generally measured in milliamp-hours.
The range varies depending on the manufacturer and the battery line.
AA (50ma draw) 1800–2600 mAh
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AA_battery
http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/E91.pdf
AAA (50ma draw) 860–1,200 mAh
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AAA_battery
http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/E92.pdf

The max current capability will be more for a AA given the same battery family (technology and "style")
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes Karmaslap
Back
Top