SR41 and LR41 Battery Equivalents and Replacements

SR41 and LR41 batteries are small, button/coin cell batteries often used in digital thermometers, wrist watches, toys, small LED flashlights, wearable electronics, remote controls, laser pointers, calculators, and similar devices.

These batteries are available on the market in several chemistries, featuring similar but not the same discharge characteristics, and are often labeled differently by their manufacturers, leading to some confusion by their users.

Updated: April 20, 2024.

SR41 and LR41 Batteries Features and Specifications

The physical dimensions of SR41 and LR41 batteries are (Diameter x Height) 7.9 x 3.6 mm (0.311 x 0.142 inches), with their common features given in the following comparison chart:

The actual capacity of these batteries depends on the cutoff voltage of the device, but it also depends on the drain current - the stronger the current, the lower the end capacity will be.

Alkaline 7.9 x 3.6 mm batteries: Most common label for alkaline 7.9 x 3.6 mm battery is LR41 battery, although other labels are used as well, like LR736, AG3, and similar.

Fortunately, most reputable brands always use LR41 as part of the battery label, allowing the users to determine the battery type and model easily.

LR41 battery features a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts and a nominal capacity of 25-32 mAh. Some brands claim a much larger capacity of their LR41 batteries, but such batteries are often drained using ultra-low currents, with their actual capacities often within the 25-32 mAh range.

The cutoff voltage of the LR41 battery depends on the cutoff voltage of the device being powered, but it is mostly around 1.0 volts, although there are many simple devices being able to operate even at 0.8 volts per battery.

Note: LR41 batteries are very popular batteries, often used, for example, as digital thermometer batteries. If the thermometer says 'LO' or 'LOW' that means that the measured temperature is below a certain threshold, not that the battery is (almost) dead - just to be sure, always check the thermometer's manual!

The shelf life of the LR41 batteries depends on the storage temperature and brand, but if the batteries are kept at or below 68-77°F (20-25°C), the expected shelf life should be at least 2-3 years.

Silver-oxide 7.9 x 3.6 mm batteries: Most common label for silver-oxide 7.9 x 3.6 mm battery is the SR41 battery, although other labels are used as well, like SR736, SR736PW, SR736SW, SG3, AG3, 192, 384, 392, and similar.

SR41 battery features a nominal voltage of 1.55 volts and a nominal capacity of 38-45 mAh.

The output voltage of the silver-oxide batteries is more stable than the voltage of alkaline batteries, thus, making them a preferred choice for powering more sensitive devices like wrist watches and similar.

The cutoff voltage of the SR41 battery also depends on the cutoff voltage of the device being powered, but it is mostly around 1.2 volts - when the voltage of the silver-oxide battery drops down to ~1.25 volts and especially down to 1.2 volts, it starts to drop sharply.

Silver-oxide SR41 batteries were often built as low-drain and high-drain batteries, with low-drain SR41 batteries being intended for watches and similar devices that operate constantly using very low currents and high-drain SR41 batteries being intended for devices that periodically require relatively high currents.

With the advances in technology, most modern SR41 batteries are designed as multi-drain batteries.

Energizer LR41 Battery Equivalent

Energizer doesn't offer an alkaline 7.9 x 3.6 mm button/coin cell with a nominal voltage of 1.5V - they offer multidrain 392/384 silver-oxide battery that is compatible with alkaline LR41 batteries, but offers many benefits.

Energizer 392/384 battery (external link, PDF datasheet) features a nominal voltage of 1.55 volts and 44 mAh typical capacity when being drained using a 22 kΩ load, at 21°C, down to 1.2 volts. Also, it has a very annual low self-discharge rate of <2% @20°C.

In general, silver-oxide SR41 batteries feature longer shelf life than alkaline LR41 batteries - when stored at 68°F (20°C), the expected shelf life of a good SR41 battery is in the 6-8 year range, sometimes even more.

Zinc Air 7.9 x 3.6 mm batteries: zinc-air batteries feature a much larger capacity than alkaline or silver-oxide batteries and are usually around 180 mAh, with a nominal voltage of around 1.45 volts and a cutoff voltage of around 1.1 volts.

The most common labels of zinc-air 7.9x3.6 mm batteries are 312, ZA312, Brown Tab, PR41, 7002ZD, etc.

Brown Tab zinc-air batteries are used almost exclusively as hearing aid batteries.

When the protective tab is removed, air (oxygen!) enters the battery, where reactions start quickly - after removing the protective tab, it is usually enough to wait a minute or two before the battery is ready to be used.

Since zinc-air batteries use wet/moist electrolytes, their operating time after the protective tab is removed is limited to several weeks, rarely more - this depends on the local temperature mostly.

Rechargeable 312 batteries are usually Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, featuring a nominal voltage of 1.2 volts, lower than the nominal voltage of zinc-air 312 batteries (1.40-1.45 volts).

Rechargeable NiMH 312 batteries can be recharged many times, saving some money.

However, in most situations, one rechargeable NiMH 312 battery with a capacity of 20-25 mAh can barely last a single day, requiring the user to sometimes replace the battery, for example, in the morning and the afternoon/evening.

On the other hand, the rechargeable Silver-Zinc (AgZn) 312 battery features a nominal capacity of 40-45 mAh and can easily last all day long.

However, silver-zinc 312 batteries feature a nominal voltage of 1.8 volts which is higher than the zinc-air voltage (1.40-1.45V) and significantly higher than the NiMH voltage (1.2V).

Unless the device is specifically designed to support both silver-zinc and zinc-air batteries, only zinc-air and perhaps NiMH batteries should be used by that device.

Rechargeable 312 batteries - available, but (still) not very popular.

LR41, SR41, AG3, 312, 392 Batteries Cross Reference Chart

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular  LR41, SR41, AG3, 312, and 392 battery models, with their most important features and specifications:

As one can see, actual performances vary depending on the discharge current, discharge test, discharge temperature, etc. but also it depends on the battery age.

SR41 and LR41 Batteries Voltage Test

To test the voltage of LR41 and SR41 batteries, you will need a multimeter - here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you test the voltage of these button-cell batteries:

• Set Up the Multimeter: Turn your multimeter on and set it to measure voltage. For LR41 and SR41 batteries, which are typically 1.5 volts, you should set the multimeter to measure DC voltage in a range that can accommodate this, such as the 2V or 20V setting.
• Prepare the Battery: Ensure the battery is clean and free from any corrosion. Dirt or corrosion can affect the accuracy of your voltage reading.
• Connect the Multimeter Probes: Attach the multimeter’s probes to the battery terminals. Place the red probe on the positive (+) terminal and the black probe on the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Ensure firm contact with each terminal to get an accurate reading.
• Read the Voltage: Look at the display on the multimeter to read the voltage. A new LR41 or SR41 battery should show a voltage close to 1.5 volts. If the reading is significantly lower (e.g., below 1.2 volts), the battery may be nearing the end of its useful life or already dead.
• Dispose of or Reuse the Battery: Based on the voltage reading, decide whether to keep using the battery or prepare it for proper disposal if the voltage is too low.

Testing the battery voltage helps in monitoring their performance and ensuring your devices function efficiently.

SR41, LR41, Brown Tab Batteries Security Issues

While modern SR41, LR41, and Brown Tab batteries are free of mercury and other heavy metals, and as such, they are not toxic, if SR41, LR41, or Brown Tab batteries are swallowed by a kid or a pet, they may cause chemical burns and internal injuries due to the electrolytic processes they may cause within the body.

Because of that danger, most SR41, LR41, and Brown Tab batteries are packed in so-called 'Pet/Kid-safe packages'.

However, if something like that happens, be sure to contact the nearest emergency center (or call a doctor or a vet) and follow their instructions.

LR41, SR41, and Brown Tab Batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most popular Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about LR41, SR41, and Brown Tab batteries:

What battery is an LR41 equivalent to?

LR41 battery is an alkaline battery, and it is equivalent to alkaline and silver-oxide (D x H) 7.9 x 3.6 mm (0.311 x 0.142 inches) button/coin batteries with a nominal voltage in the 1.5 - 1.55V range.

Are LR41 and 392 batteries the same?

No, the LR41 battery is an alkaline (D x H) 7.9 x 3.6 mm (0.311 x 0.142 inches) battery, while the 392 battery is a silver-oxide battery of the same dimensions.

Due to the different chemistries, the LR41 battery features somewhat lower voltage and capacity, but it generally can be replaced with the silver-oxide 1.55V battery.

Note: if unsure, always read the Owner's Guide/Instructions of the device in question.

Are LR41 batteries the same as LR44? LR41 vs. LR44

No. Although both LR41 and LR44 batteries feature the same chemistry, they differ in size too much:

• LR41: 7.9 x 3.6 mm,
• LR44: 11.6 x 5.4 mm.

Thus, these batteries are not interchangeable - in theory, one may use a battery adapter to fit the LR41 battery into the LR44 battery compartment, but the LR41 battery features a smaller capacity, negatively impacting runtime on a single battery.

What Energizer battery replaces LR41?

Energizer manufactures a 392/384 general-purpose silver-oxide 7.9 x 3.6 mm battery that can be used to replace the LR41 battery.

Where to buy the LR41 battery?

LR41 batteries can be found at hardware stores and online shops. Also, it can often be found in office supply stores.

How to properly dispose of SR41 and LR41 batteries?

Proper disposal of SR41 and LR41 batteries is very important to environmental safety and recycling efforts - do not throw SR41 or LR41 batteries in the regular trash, as they can release harmful substances into the environment.

Instead, use a certified recycling center where batteries can be properly processed and the materials safely recovered.

Also, very often hardware and office shops accept these and similar batteries for proper recycling.

Long Story Short: SR41, LR41, and PR41 batteries are very popular batteries, available at most hardware and online shops.

If You are unsure about which brand and model, always go for popular battery models from reputable brands that have been used by countless users in many real-life situations.