Group 31 Batteries - Dimensions, Features, and Recommendations

odyssey 31m pc2150st m battery mGroup 31 batteries are relatively large and powerful batteries, featuring 20h capacity in 75-125 Ah range, providing 750-1250 CCA, 150-250 minutes RC, etc.

Their physical dimensions are approximately 13 x 6 13/16 x 9 7/16 inches (~13 x 6.8 x 9.44 inches, 330 x 173 x 240 mm), while their features depend on the battery design, intended use, chemistry, and similar.

Group 31 batteries are very common in marine, automotive, off-the-grid, and similar applications, making them one of the most popular battery groups.

Updated: July 21, 2023.

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 Group 31 Batteries Comparison Chart

The following comparison chart lists the most popular group 31 batteries, with their most important features:

Model Battery Type
Battery Chemistry
Capacity (Ah)
RC (min)
CCA
MCA
Weight (lbs/kg)
Review
Aicipow PDAC-12100 Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont. 26 lbs; 11.8 kg
-
AIMS Power LFP12V100A Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
-
-
30.2 lbs; 13.7 kg
-
AIMS Power LFP12V100B Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont.
200A 10s
28.5 lbs; 12.9 kg
-
Banshee LFP-31M Dual Purpose
LiFePO4
100
~240
1200 CCA 24.2 lbs; 11 kg
-
Battle Born 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
-
-
29 lbs; 13.2 kg
Review
Battle Born BB10012H Heated Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont.
200A 30s
31 lbs; ~14.1 kg
Review
Bioenno Power BLF-12100WS Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont.
200A 5s
28.1 lbs; 12.8 kg
-
Chins 12V100Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont.
300A 5s.
23.9 lbs; 10.8 kg
-
Eco-Worthy 12V150Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4 
150
~360
150A cont. 36.7 lbs; 16.6 kg
-
Exide XMC-31 Deep Cycle
AGM
100
200
925
1110
68 lbs; 31 kg
Review
ExpertPower EP12100 Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
-
-
29.7 lbs; 13.5 kg
Review
ExpertPower EXP100 Deep Cycle
AGM
100
-
-
-
63.94 lbs; 30 kg
-
FLYPOWER 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100 cont.
200A surge 3-5s
24.3 lbs; ~11 kg
Review
GreenLiFE Battery GL100 Dual Purpose
LiFePO4
100
240
-
-
28 lbs; 12.7 kg
-
GreenLiFE GL5024V Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
50Ah @24V
~120 @24V
- 32 lbs; 14.5 kg
-
GreenLiFE GL36V40 Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
40Ah @36V
~96 @36V
50A cont. 31.3 lbs; 14.2 kg
-
Interstate DCM0100 Deep Cycle
AGM
110
3h @23.2A
351.5A 5 min 67.5 lbs; ~30.6 kg
Review
JITA 12V100Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont. 24.2 lbs; ~11.0 kg
-
Lifeline GPL-31T Deep Cycle
AGM
105
195
600
750
69 lbs;  31.5 kg
-
Lifeline GPL-31XT Deep Cycle
AGM
125
230
650
800
69 lbs; 31.5 kg
-
Lifeline GPL-3100T Dual Purpose
AGM
100
228
810
950
67 lbs; 30.4 kg
-
LiTime (Ampere Time) 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
280A 5s 24.25 lbs; ~11 kg
Review
Miady LFP100AH Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
-
-
28.9 lbs; 13.1 kg
-
Mighty Max ML100-12 DS-IGEL Deep Cycle
Gel
100
180+
-
-
68.2 lbs; 30.9 kg
-
NorthStar ELT-AGM31 Dual Purpose
AGM
100
190
925
1050
65.7 lbs; 29.8 kg
-
NorthStar NSB-AGM31 Dual Purpose
AGM
103
220
1150
1370
75 lbs; 34.0 kg
-
NorthStar NSB-AGM31M Dual Purpose
AGM
103
220
1150
1370
75 lbs; 34.0 kg
-
Odyssey 31-PC2150S Dual Purpose
AGM
100
205
1150
1370
77.8 lbs; 35.3 kg
Review
Optima 8052-161 D31M Dual Purpose
AGM
75
155
900
1125
59.8 lbs; 27.1 kg
Review
PacPow 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont.
300A 10s
27.56 lbs; 12.5 kg
Review
Power Queen 12V100Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont. 25.25 lbs; 11.0 kg
-
Renogy RNG-BATT-AGM12-100 Deep Cycle
AGM
104
180+
-
-
66 lbs; 29.9 kg
Review
Renogy RNG-BATT-GEL12-100 Deep Cycle
Gel-Cell
100
180+
-
-
60 lbs; 27.2 kg
Review
Renogy RBT100GEL12-G1 Deep Cycle
Gel-Cell
100
~175
-
-
63.9 lbs; 29 kg
Review
Renogy RBT100LFP12S-G1 Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
-
-
26 lbs; 11.8 kg
Review
Scream Power 12V100Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
? 24.3 lbs; 11 kg
-
Trojan T31-AGM Deep Cycle
AGM
102
200
-
-
69 lbs; 31.3 kg
-
Trojan T31-GEL Deep Cycle
Gell-Cell
102
200
-
-
70 lbs; 31.7 kg
-
UPG UB121100 Deep Cycle
AGM
110
-
-
-
70 lbs; 29.8 kg
-
Vatrer 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
240
100A cont. 33 lbs; 15 kg
Review
VMAXTANKS SLR125 Deep Cycle
AGM
125
260
-
-
75 lbs; 34 kg
Review
VMAXTANKS MR137-120 Deep Cycle
AGM
120
230
-
900
75 lbs; 34 kg
Review
VMAXTANKS VPG12C-100LFP Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
-
-
26.4 lbs; ~12.0 kg
-
VMAXTANKS XTR31-135 Deep Cycle
AGM
135
265
730
920
77 lbs; 34.9 kg
-
XS Power XP3000 Deep Cycle
AGM
120
240
-
-
73 lbs;  33.1 kg
-
Weize 12V 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle
AGM
100
-
-
-
60 lbs; 27.2 kg
Review
Weize 12V 100Ah Gel Deep Cycle
Gel-Cell
100
<180
-
-
67 lbs; 30.4 kg
Review
Weize FPLI-12100AH Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont.
200-250A surge
26.4 lbs; 12.0 kg
Review
WindyNation BAT-NSAP12-100 Deep Cycle
AGM
106
180+
-
-
67 lbs; 30.4 kg
Review
Wingda W100-12V100AH Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
50A cont. 23.8 lbs; 10.8 kg
-
Zooms 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle
LiFePO4
100
~240
100A cont. 25.35 lbs; ~11.5 kg
Review
 
Note: Amazon links in the table open in the new windows ('Model' column), feel free to check them for the most up-to-date prices and offers.

Group 31 Batteries Dimensions, Weight, Chemistry, and Features

The physical dimensions of BCI Group 31 batteries are approximately 13 x 6 13/16 x 9 7/16 inches (~13 x 6.8 x 9.44 inches, 330 x 173 x 240 mm), and they weigh anywhere from just under 30 pounds (lithium batteries) to almost 80 pounds (lead-acid batteries).

The most common Group 31 batteries are lead-acid batteries (AGM, flooded cells, and gel cells) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.

Group 31 Lithium Batteries

battleborn 100ah 12v lifepo4 battery 2Lithium group 31 batteries are becoming more and more common thanks to advancements in chemistry and electronics.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) group 31 batteries with protective Battery Management Systems (BMS) that monitor battery conditions, including voltage, charging/discharging current, temperature, etc., prevent undesired events, often can directly replace lead-acid batteries in marine, automotive, off-the-grid, and other deep cycle applications.

When compared with lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries are 2-3x lighter, can withstand 5-10x more charging/discharging cycles, can provide almost fade-free power regardless of the charge condition, etc., but they are also more expensive than equivalent lead-acid batteries.

Also, lithium batteries must be recharged using dedicated lithium battery chargers or advanced AGM battery chargers that feature dedicated lithium battery charging modes.

Due to their price, lithium Group 31 batteries are used where weight savings are important and when their features justify the price difference - they are commonly used as RV house batteries, as lightweight trolling motor batteries, in the off-the-grid, medical and security applications, etc.

Group 31 AGM Batteries

Group 31 Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries feature an electrolyte (diluted sulfuric acid) absorbed in the glass mat between lead plates.

AGM group 31 batteries are maintenance-free, spill-proof batteries that can be mounted in any position except upside-down.

Despite being heavier than lithium batteries, group 31 AGM batteries are very popular regardless of the application and are offered as dual-purpose and deep-cycle AGM batteries. They are also very resistant to vibrations and mechanical impacts, and thanks to their low internal resistance and large plate size, they can easily provide very strong currents - hence the dual-purpose group 31 batteries are often used as starting batteries.

Since they don't have built-in Battery Management Systems (BMS) like lithium batteries, they are often used for mission-critical applications where the battery must provide reliable power even in the event of power surges and spikes, which can effectively shut off lithium batteries.

With technological advancements, some group 31 lithium batteries are becoming even cheaper than premium AGM group 31 batteries. Nonetheless, AGM group 31 batteries are still very popular.

Group 31 Gel Batteries

Group 31 Gel-Cell Lead-Acid batteries feature an electrolyte suspended in the silica gel between the lead plates.

Just like AGM group 31 batteries, Gel-cell group 31 batteries are also maintenance-free, spill-proof batteries that can be mounted in any position except upside-down.

The main difference between AGM and Gel-cell batteries is that AGM batteries generally feature better discharge characteristics, while Gel-cell batteries generally feature lower self-discharge rates, support a larger number of charging/discharging cycles, etc.

But, this is very model-dependent and must be checked for each model.

Group 31 Wet/Flooded Batteries

Group 31 wet/flooded batteries feature an electrolyte in the form of liquid between the lead plates, hence the names "wet" or "flooded."

Group 31 wet/flooded batteries are not spill-proof, and they are not maintenance-free batteries - it is up to the user to periodically check the electrolyte level and, if required, to add distilled water.

As such, group 31 wet/flooded batteries are often used in permanent installations with easy access to the batteries for maintenance and with good air ventilation to prevent the buildup of hydrogen gas.


Regardless of their chemistry, group 31 batteries are used as starting, dual-purpose, and deep-cycle batteries in various applications and installations.

Group 31 Starting Batteries

True starting lead-acid Group 31 batteries are rare - some manufacturers even label some of their models as 'starting' or 'cranking' batteries, but in essence, these batteries are designed to be dual purpose, with slightly emphasized 'starting' characteristics.

A good 'starting' Group 31 battery should be able to produce at least 1000 CCA and 1200 MCA.

Note: CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) is the maximum current that a new, fully charged, 12V battery can deliver for 30 seconds, with the voltage NOT dropping below 7.2V, at 0°F (-18°C). CA (Cranking Amps) or MCA (Marine Cranking Amps) is the maximum current that a new, fully charged, 12V battery can deliver for 30 seconds, with the voltage NOT dropping below 7.2V at 32°F (0°C). HCA (Hot Cranking Amps) is the maximum current that a new, fully charged, 12V battery can deliver for 30 seconds, with the voltage NOT dropping below 7.2V, at 80°F (27°C).

Again, some manufacturers label/describe their batteries as having, for example, 1000 CCA at 32°F or 68°F or even 80°F, and then they state the actual temperature - this is incorrect labeling. CCA is a value given at 0°F, MCA at 32°F, and HCA at 80°F.

For more about these values, please check our Battery Terms and Abbreviations - Glossary article.

Group 31 Dual-Purpose Batteries

Dual-purpose Group 31 batteries are mostly lead-acid batteries - they feature strong starting currents (better than deep cycle, worse than true starting batteries), and they also feature good deep discharge and deep cycle operations (better than starting, worse than true deep cycle batteries).

Good dual-purpose lead-acid batteries should be able to provide at least 900 CCA, 200 minutes RC, and at least 100 Ah.

However, there are some Group 31 models of rather specific design that are much lighter than others (Optima D31M, for example) and thus are not as 'strong' as heavier batteries from this Group, but pound-for-pound are as good as, or even better than heavier batteries.

Group 31 Deep Cycle Batteries

Deep cycle group 31 batteries are designed for deep discharge and cycle operations in electric vehicles, off-the-grid applications, marine applications, etc.

Although they can't provide strong currents, they feature excellent characteristics when being discharged with low currents.

Some of the best deep cycle lead-acid and LiFePO4 Group 31 batteries have 20h capacity in the 120-125 Ah range and RC value in the 240-250+ range.

Group 31 Marine Batteries

Group 31 marine batteries are commonly dual-purpose group 31 batteries with both SAE and "marine" (commonly 3/8” Stud (positive) and 5/16” Stud (negative)) battery terminals allowing them to be used as both "marine" and "automotive" batteries.

Many brands offer their group 31 batteries in several versions, differing only in battery terminals and perhaps outside battery casing - internally, these batteries are practically the same.

odyssey 31 pc2150 versions

Group 31 Batteries Voltage

Most group 31 batteries feature a nominal voltage of 12V (lead-acid batteries) or 12.8V (lithium batteries), but some brands offer group 31 lithium batteries with even higher voltage, including 24V (actually 25.6V) and 36V (actually 38.4V).

Such batteries are intended for powering 24V and 36V systems, including trolling motors, RVs, power inverters, and similar, decreasing the number of required batteries.

Group 31 Batteries - Recommendations

It is really sometimes hard to pick 'the best' battery even though there are few clear candidates and the main reasons are simple - we all have different requirements and the table itself doesn't state other important features like warranty, number and depth of recommended charge and discharge cycles, number, and type of terminals, not to mention the price, etc.

Best Deep Cycle Lithium Group 31 Battery

Lithium group 31 batteries are becoming more and more popular - today, practically, there are more lithium batteries offered on the market than lead-acid batteries.

When looking for "the best," one has to balance many variables, including output voltage and current, safety features, capacity, weight, number of charging and discharging cycles, support of parallel and series connections, etc.

Thus, the best three (3) deep cycle lithium group 3 batteries are (alphabetic order - Amazon links, links open in the new windows):

All three batteries feature a nominal capacity of 100Ah, can provide 100A continuously, and support connecting the exactly same batteries in parallel and series up to 4S4P.

Note: when connecting lithium batteries in parallel and/or series, connect them only as recommended by their manufacturer!

Of course, there are other good group 31 lithium batteries on the market as well, and if they fit your needs and You can find them at a more affordable price, go for the model that best suits your needs.

For more about this topic, feel free to check our articles:


Best Deep Cycle AGM Group 31 Battery

vmaxtanks slr125 250pxThe best deep cycle Group 31 AGM battery is probably VMAXTANKS SLR125 - it is one of the heaviest Group 31 batteries (75 lbs, 34 kg), but it also features a 20h capacity of 125 Ah and an RC value of 260 minutes.

However, it is not suitable to be used as a dual-purpose and especially as starting battery.

But, it is designed for off-the-grid applications, and it should be used as such.

For more about this battery, check Vmaxtanks SLR125 Amazon link (link opens in the new window).


Best Lightweight Dual-Purpose AGM Group 31 Battery

optima 8052 161 d31m

The best lightweight, multipurpose SLA (AGM or Gel-Cell) Group 31 batteries are IMHO Optima D31M (marine applications, BlueTop, Dual SAE & 5/16 Stainless Stud), Optima D31A (YellowTop, SAE Post), and Optima D31T (YellowTop, 3/8 Stainless Steel Stud) batteries.

Although their nominal capacity is 75 Ah, they weigh 'just' ~60 pounds and are able to provide 900 CCA and 1125 MCA.

RC of 155 minutes could be better, but they are dual-purpose batteries with a slight incline toward starting performances. Also, it is a rather reliable battery.

For more about these batteries, check Optima D31M BlueTop, Optima D31A YellowTop, and Optima D31T YellowTop Amazon links (links open in the new windows).


Best AGM Group 31 Battery

northstar nsb agm31m

Although NorthStar NSB-AGM31 and its marine version NorthStar NSB-AGM31M are great batteries, THE BEST Group 31 AGM battery title goes to the Odyssey 31M-PC2150 battery, which is available in several versions, including (Amazon links, links open in the new windows):

- Odyssey 31-PC2150S Heavy Duty Commercial Battery

- Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery

- Odyssey 31-PC2150T Heavy Duty Commercial Battery, etc.

All Odyssey 31-PC2150 batteries are basically the same batteries internally, they just differ in type, number, and orientation of their terminals.

Why Odyssey 31M-PC2150 and not NorthStar NSB-AGM31(M)?

First of all, NorthStar NSB-AGM31(M) batteries are excellent batteries, in many aspects being even better than Odyssey 31M-PC2150: 20h capacity (103 vs. 100 Ah), RC value (220 vs. 205 minutes), weight (75 vs. 77 pounds).

Note: NorthStar NSB-AGM31M features a 20h capacity of 103 Ah while being discharged down to 10.5 volts (or 1.75 volts per cell), while Odyssey 31M-PC2150 features a 20h capacity of 100 Ah while being discharged down to 10.05 volts (or 1.675 volts per cell).

This is another 'plus' for NorthStar NSB-AGM31M, but it just shows the "tougher" side of the Odyssey 31M-PC2150 batteries.

Also, NorthStar NSB-AGM31M is designed to tolerate (according to the manufacturer) 900 cycles down to 50% discharge, while Odyssey 31M-PC2150 tolerates 'only' ~650 cycles down to 50% discharge.

In terms of CCA and MCA, they are exactly the same (1150 CCA and 1370 MCA). Even their pulse currents are equal (2150 Amps).

However, the Odyssey 31M-PC2150 battery is designed to operate safely in extremely cold weather, down to -40°F (-40°C). And that is rather cold, to say the least.

Also, it has a very low self-discharge rate, and generally, it 'feels' a somewhat more rugged battery.

These two batteries are an example that comparing two very similar products can be really tough.

If You need Group 31 battery and don't mind paying some extra money but want to get a top-of-the-line battery and You can get NorthStar NSB-AGM31M for a much better price than Odyssey 31M-PC2150, don't think twice - go for NorthStar NSB-AGM31M (Amazon link, opens in the new window), especially for regular cycle applications.

On the other hand, if you need a strong, durable, and reliable, even under extreme cold weather Group 31 battery, consider Odyssey 31M-PC2150 battery (Amazon link opens in the new window). 

Group 31 Batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most popular Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about group 31 and other similar batteries.

What does Group 31 mean on a battery?

"Group 31" means that the battery belongs to the BCI Group 31 batteries with defined maximum dimensions of 13 x 6.8 x 9.44 inches, 330 x 173 x 240 mm.

What is the difference between Group 24, Group 27, Group 29, and Group 31 batteries?

The main difference between group 24, group 27, group 27, and group 31 batteries are dimensions:

  • Group 24: 10.25 x 6.8125 x 8.875 inches, 260 x 173 x 225 mm,
  • Group 27: 12.0625 x 6.8125 x 8.875 inches, 306 x 173 x 225 mm,
  • Group 29: 13 x 5.5 x 8.9375 inches, 330 x 140 x 227 mm,
  • Group 31: 13 x 6.8 x 9.44 inches, 330 x 173 x 240 mm.

Because of different dimensions, group 31 batteries are the heaviest but also feature, on average, the largest capacity, the longest RC, and better other discharge features.

Is a Group 31 battery better than a Group 27 battery? Will the group 31 battery fit in the group 27 tray/battery compartment?

Group 27 batteries are smaller than the group 31 batteries, thus generally having somewhat lower capacity, RC, and CCA ratings.

Group 27 battery can fit into the battery compartment intended for the group 31 battery, but another way around generally doesn't apply. However, this doesn't mean that group 31 batteries may be replaced using group 27 batteries.

On the contrary, such replacement should never be done unless officially supported by the vehicle, vessel, or application manufacturer where the group 31 battery was used.

What is a 31T battery, and what is a 31A battery?

Group 31T batteries and group 31A batteries are group 31 batteries with different battery terminals:

  • group 31T battery: threaded battery terminal,
  • group 31A battery: SAE battery terminal.

Note that not all manufacturers use "T" and "A" letters; on the contrary, most of them use "group 31 battery" as part of the battery label.

How to charge the Group 31 battery?

Lead-acid group 31 batteries should be charged with advanced lead-acid battery chargers with a maximum charging current in the 10-15 Amps range. After fully recharging the battery, the battery charger should switch into maintenance mode automatically and keep the battery fully recharged indefinitely.

Lithium group 31 batteries may be recharged with lithium battery chargers ranging from 10-100A, battery model dependent.

Many brands claim 1C charging and discharging maximum currents, but IMHO, 100Ah lithium batteries should be recharged with 20-30 Amps battery chargers to prevent overstressing the battery.

How long will a Group 31 deep-cycle battery last?

In standby applications, group 31 Gel-Cell and lithium batteries may last up to 5-10 years, while AGM batteries may last up to 5-6 years.

In cycling applications, lead-acid batteries may last 300-900+ cycles, depending on the Depth of Discharge (DoD%), while lithium batteries may provide 2000-8000 cycles, depending on the DoD%, discharge current, temperature, etc.

Are Group 31 batteries good as solar batteries?

If their size and capacity fit your needs, then yes, group 31 batteries are good as solar batteries.

For applications where batteries are regularly charged and discharged, consider lithium group 31 batteries since they can withstand a much larger number of cycles.

If You are looking for larger battery banks (with or without group 31 batteries), consider 300Ah and 400Ah lithium batteries.

How many Amp Hours (Ah) are group 31 batteries?

On average, group 31 batteries feature a nominal capacity of 100-110 Ah, although some models have as little as 75Ah or as much as 125Ah.

The actual capacity depends on the plates' construction, chemistry, discharge current, age of the battery, temperature, etc.

Lead-Acid vs. Lithium Group 31 Batteries

battleborn 100ah 12v lifepo4 battery mLong Story Short: Thanks to the advancements in technology, the price of lithium batteries is becoming more and more comparable to the price of premium lead-acid batteries.

So many people wonder when to go for lithium and when to go for the lead-acid group 31 battery.

Personally, if You need a good dual-purpose battery that must periodically crank medium to a large internal combustion engine, go for a good AGM group 31 battery.

For applications where a lightweight battery or battery pack is required that must/should withstand a high number of charging/discharging cycles but without extra high currents, go for lithium group 31 batteries - these are very common situations, and here is where lithium batteries fit perfectly.

For mission-critical applications where the battery must be as reliable as possible and where the battery must provide power even in the event of power glitches, go for a good AGM/Gell-Cell group 31 battery - Battery Management Systems (BMS) found in lithium batteries may disconnect the battery in the event of too high currents. And that is not what should happen when powering, for example, sump pumps, various winches, backup inverters, and similar.

And whatever You do, stay safe - group 31 batteries can provide really strong currents and can do some serious damage or worse ...


For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the following Amazon links:

Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.