LR44 vs 357 vs 303
Three codes for one 11.6 × 5.4 mm footprint. LR44 is alkaline at 1.5 V; 357 and 303 are both silver oxide at 1.55 V and now largely sold as a single dual-marked cell.
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All three are the same size and all three will fit. The LR44 is the cheap alkaline one at 1.5 volts. The 357 and the 303 are both silver oxide at 1.55 volts, hold a steadier voltage and last longer — and today they are effectively one cell, usually sold marked “357/303”. So the real decision is only between two things: alkaline for a toy or a calculator, silver oxide for a watch, a light meter or anything that takes readings.
- Verdict:
- One size, two chemistries — the 357 and 303 are the same cell
Side by side
| Specification | LR44 | 357 | 303 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Alkaline | Silver oxide | Silver oxide |
| Nominal voltage | 1.5 V | 1.55 V | 1.55 V |
| Size | 11.6 × 5.4 mm | 11.6 × 5.4 mm | 11.6 × 5.4 mm |
| Capacity | 110–130 mAh | 150–190 mAh | 150–175 mAh |
| IEC code | LR44 | SR44W | SR44SW |
| Originally built for | General use | High drain | Low drain |
| Relative cost | Low | Higher | Higher |
It is really a two-way choice
357 and 303 are both the SR44 in silver oxide — the codes once separated high-drain from low-drain construction, and most manufacturers now build one cell that does both and print both numbers. Treat them as one option.
Alkaline against silver oxide
The LR44 starts at 1.5 V and sags steadily. The silver oxide pair hold close to 1.55 V until they are spent, and carry around 50% more energy. That flat curve is the whole reason watches and meters specify them.
All three fit, so decide on the device
The shared 11.6 × 5.4 mm footprint means no fit question arises. Cheap and disposable, take the LR44. Anything that measures something, take the silver oxide.
What the codes on the packet mean
LR44 is the IEC name for the alkaline cell and you will also see AG13, A76, L1154 and 157 for the same thing. SR44 is the IEC name for the silver oxide one, sold as 357, 303, SR44W and SR44SW. Eight or more codes, two actual batteries.
A practical rule
If the device tells time, measures something or cost real money, buy silver oxide. If it lights up, makes a noise or came free with something, buy the alkaline. That covers almost every device these cells go into.
Stacked cells
Several of these are used in stacks — three or four inside a laser pointer or a digital caliper, held in a tube. Replace the whole stack at once and with the same type: a mix of old and new, or of alkaline and silver oxide, discharges unevenly and the weakest cell suffers.
Check before you swap. Batteries with similar dimensions are not always interchangeable. Always verify voltage, chemistry and the requirements printed in your device manual before fitting a replacement.
Cells mentioned here
LR44 vs 357 vs 303: common questions
What is the difference between LR44 and 357?
All three are the same size and all three will fit. The LR44 is the cheap alkaline one at 1.5 volts. The 357 and the 303 are both silver oxide at 1.55 volts, hold a steadier voltage and last longer — and today they are effectively one cell, usually sold marked “357/303”. So the real decision is only between two things: alkaline for a toy or a calculator, silver oxide for a watch, a light meter or anything that takes readings.
Which should I choose, LR44 or 357?
One size, two chemistries — the 357 and 303 are the same cell. Three codes for one 11.6 × 5.4 mm footprint. LR44 is alkaline at 1.5 V; 357 and 303 are both silver oxide at 1.55 V and now largely sold as a single dual-marked cell.
Chemistry — how do they compare?
LR44: Alkaline. 357: Silver oxide. 303: Silver oxide.