What is the difference between AA and AAA batteries?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences between AA and AAA batteries, focusing on their voltage, energy storage capacity, and current output. Participants explore these differences in the context of battery technology, specifically alkaline batteries, and consider implications for practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that AA and AAA batteries have the same voltage output of 1.5V for alkaline cells under light loads.
  • Others argue that while the voltage may be the same, AA batteries store more energy than AAA batteries.
  • One participant claims that the output voltage of 3 AAA batteries will be around 4.5V, while 4 AA batteries will be around 6V, although this is contingent on the wiring configuration (series or parallel).
  • Another participant suggests that AA batteries may output more current than AAA batteries, attributing this to lower internal resistance in AA batteries.
  • There is a discussion about the capacity of AA and AAA batteries, with specific milliamp-hour ratings provided for both types, indicating that AA batteries generally have a higher capacity than AAA batteries.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the physical size and energy storage capacity differences between AA and AAA batteries, as well as their voltage under light loads. However, there is disagreement regarding the output voltage in specific configurations and the current output capabilities, with no consensus reached on these points.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on the specific battery technology and manufacturer, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of wiring configurations on voltage output.

sivaswetha
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What is the difference between AA and AAA batteries? Will the output voltage of 3 AAA and 4AA be same?
 
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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.
 
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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:
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