Batteries power so many things in our daily life. From remotes to toys and flashlights, we use them all the time. You know AA batteries (double A) and AAA batteries (triple A) very well. But what about a “single A” battery? Is there really something called a single A battery?
In short, there is no common modern battery size called “single A” or just “A” that you find easily in stores today. Long ago, in the early days of batteries (like the 1920s to 1950s), there was a size simply called “A” battery. It was bigger than today’s AA but smaller than C or D sizes. Over time, people stopped using that exact size. Companies made new standards, and the old “A” size almost disappeared.
Today, when people say “single A battery,” they often mean one of these:
- A very old or rare size A cell (not common now)
- Or they mix it up with similar small sizes like AAAA (quad A), N, or even AA used alone
This article explains everything in simple words. We cover history, why the single A size went away, close sizes that people sometimes call “single A,” real types of batteries, where they are used, and tips to pick the right one. This guide helps you understand batteries better and choose wisely.
A Quick Look at Common Battery Sizes
Battery names come from old standards. Here is a simple list of popular cylindrical (round) 1.5-volt sizes today:
- AAAA (quad A): Very thin and short. About 8 mm wide and 42 mm long.
- AAA (triple A): Small and common. About 10.5 mm wide and 44.5 mm long.
- AA (double A): The most popular size. About 14.5 mm wide and 50.5 mm long.
- C: Medium big. About 26 mm wide and 50 mm long.
- D: Large and strong. About 34 mm wide and 61 mm long.
The old “A” size was between AA and the bigger ones. It was around 17 mm wide and 50 mm long (but sizes varied by maker). It is not made anymore for normal use.
Why Is There No Common “Single A” Battery Today?
In the past, battery makers used letters like A, B, C, D for sizes. “A” was a standard size back then. But as electronics changed:
- Devices got smaller → needed smaller batteries like AAA and AAAA.
- Bigger power needs → used AA, C, D more.
- New rules (like from ANSI and IEC) made standard sizes. The old “A” did not fit well in new lists.
So makers stopped making plain “A” cells for home use. You can still find special versions in old radios, some vintage items, or industrial tools, but they are rare.
People sometimes call AAAA the “single A” because it is the smallest letter size now. Or they mean one AA battery used alone (single instead of pack).
Close Cousins: Batteries People Sometimes Call “Single A”
These small batteries look a bit like what an old single A might be:
- AAAA Battery
- Size: Very slim (8.3 mm diameter, 42.5 mm long).
- Voltage: 1.5 V (alkaline) or 1.2 V (rechargeable).
- Common names: Quad A, LR61, MN2500.
- Why it feels like “single A”: It is the smallest standard round battery with “A” in name.
- N Battery
- Size: 12 mm diameter, 30 mm long (shorter than AAA).
- Voltage: 1.5 V.
- Also called LR1 or MN9100.
- Used where space is tight.
- AA Battery (Used as Single)
- Most people mean this when they say “single A” by mistake (like one AA instead of pack).
- It is the go-to for many things.
Types of Batteries (Chemistry Matters a Lot)
Batteries come in different “chemistries” even if size is same. This changes how long they last, cost, and where to use them.
1. Alkaline Batteries (Most Common)
- Cheap and easy to find.
- Voltage: 1.5 V fresh.
- Good for low-power things like clocks, remotes, toys.
- Last long on shelf (5-10 years).
- Not good for high-drain like cameras (they leak or die fast).
- Examples: Duracell, Energizer alkaline.
2. Lithium Primary (Single-Use, Very Good)
- More expensive but best performance.
- Voltage: 1.5 V or 1.7 V.
- Very light, no leak risk.
- Work in cold or hot weather (-40°C to 60°C).
- Last much longer than alkaline in high-drain devices.
- Shelf life: 10-20 years.
- Good for: Flashlights, cameras, medical tools.
3. Rechargeable (NiMH – Best for Home Use)
- Voltage: 1.2 V (bit less than 1.5 V, but okay for most devices).
- Can charge 500-1000 times → save money and help planet.
- No memory effect (charge anytime).
- Good brands: Eneloop, Amazon Basics, HiQuick.
- Best for: Toys, remotes, game controllers used a lot.
4. Other Types (Less Common for Small Sizes)
- Zinc-Carbon: Very cheap, but short life and leak more. Avoid if possible.
- Lithium-Ion: Mostly for special sizes (not normal A/AA/AAA).
Common Uses for Small Batteries Like AAAA, N, or Old A
Even if no true single A exists now, here are real uses for similar small batteries:
- AAAA Batteries:
- Pen flashlights and laser pointers.
- Stylus pens for tablets (like some active styluses).
- Powered styluses or digital pens.
- Some calculators, small torches.
- Hearing aid remotes or tiny gadgets.
- Vintage or mini cameras.
- N Batteries:
- Garage door openers (key fobs).
- Some old multimeters or testers.
- Small medical tools like glucose meters (older models).
- Wireless doorbells or sensors.
- Old Single A Size (Rare Now):
- Vintage radios or flashlights from 1940s-1960s.
- Some old flash guns for cameras.
- Industrial or special equipment (not home use).
If your device needs a rare size, check the manual or old battery label. Many old “A” spots now take AA with adapter or spacer.
How to Pick the Right Battery
Follow these easy steps:
- Check device manual or old battery for exact size (like LR61 for AAAA).
- See if it needs high power (camera → lithium) or low power (remote → alkaline).
- For things used daily → choose rechargeable NiMH.
- Buy from good brands to avoid leaks.
- For cold places → lithium is best.
- Recycle dead batteries at shops or collection points (do not throw in trash).
Safety Tips for All Batteries
- Do not mix old and new batteries.
- Do not mix different types (alkaline + rechargeable).
- Remove batteries from devices not used for long time.
- If leak happens → clean with care (use gloves, vinegar for alkaline leak).
- Keep away from kids and fire.
- Recharge only NiMH or NiCd (never alkaline!).
Why Understanding Battery Types Helps You Save Money
Many people buy wrong batteries and waste cash. For example:
- Using alkaline in high-drain toy → dies fast.
- Using rechargeable in very low-drain clock → may not work well (voltage low).
- Buying expensive lithium for TV remote → waste of money.
Pick smart → your batteries last longer, devices work better, and you spend less.
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Final Thoughts
The “single A battery” is mostly history now. No big stores sell a plain “A” size anymore. But small batteries like AAAA or N fill that spot for tiny devices. AA is still king for most needs.
Next time you need a battery:
- Read size on device.
- Think about use (how often, how much power).
- Choose type: alkaline cheap, lithium strong, NiMH green and saves money.
With this knowledge, you can pick the best battery every time. No more guesswork!
About the Author
Mary Correa is a content writer with 9 years of experience. She loves writing about luxury villas and travel. Her articles are easy to read and full of exciting ideas. Mary helps readers discover amazing places to visit and stay. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring new destinations.
