The LR44 and 357 are both 11.6 × 5.4 mm button cell batteries that fit the same devices. They look identical, but they use different chemistry — LR44 is alkaline, 357 is silver oxide. This article explains the real differences, whether they’re interchangeable, and when each one is the right choice.
What Is an LR44 Battery?
The LR44 is a 1.5 V alkaline button cell made of zinc and manganese dioxide (MnO₂). It’s the most common and cheapest button cell in this size, used in calculators, remotes, toys, and laser pointers. Voltage drops gradually as the battery discharges — devices slowly lose performance rather than stopping abruptly.
According to the Murata LR44 datasheet, nominal capacity is 120 mAh (to 0.9 V cutoff), operating range 0–60°C. Murata’s LR44 is mercury-free and 100% manufactured in Japan.
Also known as: AG13, A76, L1154, LR1154, 76A, G13, 157, V13GA, PX76A, RW82
What Is a 357 Battery?
The 357 is a 1.55 V silver oxide button cell made of zinc and silver oxide (Ag₂O). The key difference from LR44: silver oxide chemistry produces a flat discharge curve — voltage holds steady at ~1.55 V through most of the battery’s life, then drops sharply at end-of-life. This makes it the preferred choice for watches, digital calipers, and medical instruments that need consistent power.
Per the Energizer 357/303 datasheet, capacity is 150 mAh (to 1.2 V cutoff), with the cell maintaining voltage above 1.5 V for approximately 685 hours at a 6.8 KΩ continuous drain. Shelf life exceeds 5 years, with Energizer reporting >90% service retention after 5 years of storage.
Also known as: SR44, SR44W, SR44SW, SR1154, 303, D357, V357, EPX76, SB-B9
LR44 vs 357: Key Differences
| Specification | LR44 (Alkaline) | 357 (Silver Oxide) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Zinc-Manganese (Zn/MnO₂) | Silver Oxide (Zn/Ag₂O) |
| Nominal Voltage | 1.5 V | 1.55 V |
| Capacity | 110–130 mAh | 150–200 mAh |
| Cutoff Voltage | 0.9 V | 1.2 V |
| Discharge Curve | Sloping (gradual decline) | Flat (stable, then sharp drop) |
| Weight | ~2.0 g | ~2.3 g |
| Dimensions | 11.6 × 5.4 mm | 11.6 × 5.4 mm |
| Shelf Life | ~3 years | ~5 years |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to 60°C | -10°C to 60°C |
| Price | $0.20–$0.50/cell | $0.80–$2.00/cell |
The discharge curve is the most important practical difference. An LR44 may read 1.55 V fresh, but steadily drops toward 1.2 V and below — meaning a device relying on 1.35 V minimum input will start malfunctioning well before the battery is fully depleted. A 357 holds ~1.55 V until the cell is nearly exhausted, keeping devices at full performance until the battery simply stops.
Are LR44 and 357 Interchangeable?
Yes — physically they are identical in size and will fit the same devices. The 0.05 V voltage difference is within the tolerance of all consumer devices using this form factor. Neither substitution will cause damage.
LR44 → 357 (upgrade): More stable voltage, longer useful life, and better leakage resistance. In digital calipers, users on machinist forums consistently report 12–18 months on a 357 versus 3–6 months on an LR44. This isn’t just about capacity — it’s because the flat discharge keeps voltage above the caliper’s minimum operating threshold (typically 1.35–1.4 V) for far longer. One user on the Home Shop Machinist forum measured that even a “powered off” Mitutoyo 500-196-30 caliper continuously draws 0.9 µA, while a budget Workzone model draws 19.4 µA even when off — with the LR44’s sloping curve, these constant drains push the voltage below threshold within months.
357 → LR44 (downgrade): Works, but expect premature low-battery warnings in watches and instruments, reduced accuracy in precision devices as voltage declines, and shorter service life. Alkaline cells are also more prone to electrolyte leakage over time, which can corrode battery contacts.
Watch out for mislabeled packs. Budget battery packs on Amazon often print “LR44 / AG13 / 357 / SR44” on the packaging as if all names describe the same product. If the price is under $0.50 per cell, it’s alkaline regardless of what the label says — a genuine 357 silver oxide cell will always cost more and typically shows “SR44” or “Silver Oxide” on the cell itself.
LR44 and 357: Pros and Cons
LR44
Pros: Low cost (3–5x cheaper), available everywhere, fine for toys, remotes, LED keychain lights, and other low-drain devices.
Cons: Voltage drops during use, shorter useful life in precision devices, more prone to leakage, shorter shelf life (~3 years), narrower operating temperature range.
357
Pros: Flat discharge curve keeps voltage stable, higher capacity (150–200 mAh), excellent leakage resistance, 5-year shelf life, works down to -10°C, preferred by precision instrument manufacturers.
Cons: 3–5x more expensive, less commonly stocked in physical retail stores, overkill for simple toys and remotes.
Which One Should You Use?
Choose LR44 for inexpensive, low-drain devices where cost matters more than longevity: remotes, LED lights, toys, greeting cards, bulk-use applications.
Choose 357 for anything requiring stable voltage or long service life: watches, digital calipers, thermometers, light meters, medical devices, or any device where battery replacement is inconvenient. If a device shows premature low-battery warnings with alkaline cells, switching to a 357 almost always solves it.
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