LR44 vs. 357: Are LR44 and 357 cells interchangeable?

Quick answer

LR44 and 357 batteries are not interchangeable by default. They are the same nominal size, and Energizer cross-lists 357 on its A76/LR44 product page, but LR44/A76 is a 1.5 V alkaline cell while 357/303 is a 1.55 V silver-oxide cell. Verify the equipment instructions and load requirements before changing chemistry.

LR44 vs 357 specification comparison

The table uses Energizer A76/LR44 and Energizer 357/303 data so that manufacturer-specific values are not blended across brands.

The dimensional match is not a drop-in approval. Verify the equipment manual, required chemistry, cutoff voltage, and load profile before installing a different code.

The original dimension drawings are retained. Their 11.60 mm maximum diameter and 5.40 mm maximum height agree with the cited Energizer datasheets.

What is an LR44 battery?

LR44 is the IEC designation for a miniature alkaline button cell. Energizer sells this size as A76/LR44 and specifies a manganese-dioxide chemical system, 1.5 V nominal voltage, and a common 11.60 mm by 5.40 mm maximum envelope.

The A76 datasheet describes the cell for electronic applications that may require high-rate pulses. That wording is a product-family design note, not permission to ignore the current, cutoff-voltage, or temperature requirements of a specific device.

What is a 357 battery?

Energizer 357/303 is a silver-oxide cell with IEC designation SR44 and a nominal voltage of 1.55 V. Its published maximum diameter and height match the A76/LR44 envelope.

Maxell describes silver-oxide button cells as having stable operating voltage through much of their discharge life. This behavior is one reason silver-oxide cells are widely used in quartz watches, measuring instruments, calculators, and medical devices where voltage consistency can matter.

Why two 150 mAh ratings do not mean equal runtime

Both Energizer datasheets publish a typical capacity of 150 mAh, but the test methods are different:

• A76/LR44: 7.5 kohm continuous load at 21 deg C, discharged to 0.9 V.

• 357/303: 6.8 kohm continuous load at 21 deg C, discharged to 1.2 V.

The lower A76 cutoff lets the test continue to a lower cell voltage. The 357 test uses a heavier load and a higher cutoff. Those differences make a simple 150 mAh versus 150 mAh runtime conclusion invalid.

For real equipment, service life depends on average current, pulse demand, minimum operating voltage, temperature, storage history, and contact resistance. A watch that stops near a higher voltage threshold can respond differently from a toy that continues operating as an alkaline cell voltage declines.

LR44 battery equivalent and Energizer code

Verify the equipment manual and selected battery datasheet before using any equivalent code.

For an Energizer-branded alkaline LR44, the current product name is A76/LR44. Energizer's official A76 page lists 157, 303, 357, AG13, EPX76, LR44, S76, SG13, and SR44 as commercial replacement codes.

That list spans more than one chemistry family. Use it to locate candidate products, then verify the battery label, chemistry, nominal voltage, dimensions, and equipment instructions. The selected cell keeps its own published discharge characteristics even when a manufacturer places it in a common cross-reference list.

357 battery equivalent codes

Verify the selected battery datasheet and device manual before using any equivalent code.

Energizer's official 357/303 page lists these codes:

• 280-03

• 280-08

• 303/357

• D303/357

• SB-A9

• SR1154SW

• SR44SW

• WS14

Regional Energizer pages may show additional codes, so use the page for your market and confirm the current package marking before purchase.

Which battery should you choose?

Equipment marked LR44 or A76

Start with LR44/A76. A 357 can be considered when the equipment documentation accepts SR44 or silver oxide, or when the battery manufacturer explicitly cross-lists the code and the device requirements are satisfied.

Equipment marked 357, 303, or SR44

Use a silver-oxide 357/303 or the exact listed SR44 variant when the equipment specifies that chemistry. This is especially important when stable voltage supports timing, measurement, display contrast, or a predictable low-battery threshold.

Pulsed or high-load equipment

Review the exact manufacturer's pulse and discharge curves. The A76 and 357/303 datasheets both mention pulse capability, but their chemistry, continuous-load test, and cutoff voltage differ.

Multi-cell products

Do not mix alkaline and silver-oxide cells, old and new cells, or cells from different manufacturers in one battery stack. Maxell warns that differences in battery properties can cause leakage, overheating, or other damage.

Replacement checklist

1. Read the equipment manual. Note the complete battery code and required chemistry.

2. Check the old cell. Confirm its marking, polarity, and whether more than one cell is used.

3. Confirm dimensions. Both families are nominally 11.60 mm by 5.40 mm, but inspect the holder and contacts.

4. Compare voltage behavior. Check nominal voltage, cutoff voltage, and discharge curves.

5. Check the load profile. Include alarms, lights, transmitters, or other pulse loads.

6. Install one fresh type consistently. Do not combine chemistries or ages in a multi-cell device.

7. Test the real function. A brief power-on check does not prove timing accuracy, measurement stability, or full service life.

Safety and handling

LR44 and 357 are primary cells and are not designed to be recharged. Keep loose and used button cells away from children. If a cell is swallowed, seek emergency medical help immediately and contact a poison center; do not induce vomiting.

Prevent short circuits, observe polarity, and do not crush, heat, disassemble, or mix batteries. Cover the terminals of removed cells with non-conductive tape and follow local battery-collection rules.

FAQ

Can a 357 replace an LR44?

A 357 is not a guaranteed replacement for every LR44 application. Energizer cross-lists 357 on its A76/LR44 product page, but the device manual and operating requirements must allow the silver-oxide chemistry and 1.55 V nominal voltage.

Can an LR44 replace a 357 battery?

Use LR44 only when the equipment documentation accepts LR44/A76 or alkaline chemistry. A device designed around the flatter voltage profile of a silver-oxide cell may behave differently as an alkaline cell discharges.

Are LR44 and 357 the same size?

The cited Energizer datasheets give both cells a maximum diameter of 11.60 mm and maximum height of 5.40 mm. Mechanical fit still depends on the holder, contacts, and enclosure.

Which lasts longer, LR44 or 357?

There is no universal runtime winner without a defined load and cutoff voltage. The two Energizer products both publish 150 mAh typical capacity under different tests. Silver oxide provides a more stable operating voltage, which can be advantageous in watches and measurement-oriented devices.

What is the Energizer equivalent for LR44?

Look for Energizer A76/LR44. Check the package and data sheet because Energizer's broader cross-reference list includes codes from both alkaline and silver-oxide families.

What is the closest official 357 family code?

Energizer sells the cell as 357/303, and its datasheet identifies the IEC designation as SR44.

Are LR44 and 357 rechargeable?

No. The alkaline LR44/A76 and silver-oxide 357/303 discussed here are primary cells. Use only a battery and charger specifically documented as a rechargeable system.

Sources

1. Energizer A76/LR44 product datasheet

2. Energizer 357/303 product datasheet

3. Energizer A76/LR44 official product page

4. Energizer 357/303 official product page

5. Maxell silver-oxide and LR button-battery guide

6. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Button Cell and Coin Batteries

7. National Capital Poison Center button-battery guideline