C and D batteries are cylindrical, single-cell alkaline batteries. C batteries measure 50mm x 26.2mm, while D batteries are larger at 61.5mm x 34.2mm. Both provide 1.5 volts, but D batteries store more energy due to their size (typically 12,000-18,000 mAh vs. 8,000-10,000 mAh for C batteries). They’re commonly used in high-drain devices like flashlights and portable radios.
How Do C and D Batteries Compare in Size and Capacity?
D batteries are 23% longer and 30% wider than C batteries, enabling 50-100% greater energy storage. For example, a standard D battery lasts 22 hours in a 1-watt device versus 14 hours for a C battery. This makes D cells ideal for power-hungry equipment like boomboxes or emergency lanterns.
| Battery Type | Diameter | Height | Typical Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 26.2mm | 50mm | 8,000 mAh |
| D | 34.2mm | 61.5mm | 18,000 mAh |
The capacity difference becomes particularly apparent in cold environments. At -20°C (-4°F), D batteries retain 78% of their room-temperature capacity compared to C batteries’ 62% retention. This superior performance stems from D cells’ thicker internal separators and larger electrode surface area, which help maintain chemical reaction efficiency under stress. Industrial users often prefer D batteries for outdoor equipment where both capacity and temperature resistance are critical.
Top 5 best-selling Group 14 batteries under $100
| Product Name | Short Description | Amazon URL |
|---|---|---|
|
Weize YTX14 BS ATV Battery  |
Maintenance-free sealed AGM battery, compatible with various motorcycles and powersports vehicles. | View on Amazon |
|
UPLUS ATV Battery YTX14AH-BS  |
Sealed AGM battery designed for ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles, offering reliable performance. | View on Amazon |
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Weize YTX20L-BS High Performance  |
High-performance sealed AGM battery suitable for motorcycles and snowmobiles. | View on Amazon |
|
Mighty Max Battery ML-U1-CCAHR  |
Rechargeable SLA AGM battery with 320 CCA, ideal for various powersport applications. | View on Amazon |
|
Battanux 12N9-BS Motorcycle Battery  |
Sealed SLA/AGM battery for ATVs and motorcycles, maintenance-free with advanced technology. | View on Amazon |
What Are the Environmental Impacts of C vs. D Batteries?
D batteries contain 2-3x more materials but power devices 2.5x longer, reducing waste frequency. Recyclability rates are identical (97% reclaimable materials), but improper disposal of D cells poses greater environmental risk due to higher zinc and manganese content. Rechargeable NiMH D batteries have 500-cycle lifespans versus 300 cycles for C-size equivalents.
| Component | C Battery | D Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc Content | 12g | 28g |
| Manganese Dioxide | 18g | 42g |
| Steel Casing | 6g | 14g |
Landfill impacts differ significantly between the sizes. A single discarded D battery can contaminate 3 cubic meters of soil for 50 years versus 1.2 cubic meters from a C battery. Modern recycling programs recover 95% of battery zinc for reuse in construction materials, making proper disposal crucial. Energy recovery rates favor D batteries – recycling one D cell saves enough energy to power a LED bulb for 40 hours compared to 18 hours for a C battery.
Expert Views
“While C and D batteries share chemistry, their design parameters differ fundamentally,” notes Dr. Elena Torres, battery systems engineer. “D cells use thicker cathode coatings (180-220μm vs. 120-150μm in C) for sustained high-current performance. This structural difference explains why simply scaling up C batteries doesn’t replicate D-cell functionality in critical applications.”
FAQ
- Can I use AA batteries instead of C or D?
- Only with spacers for size, but runtime and current delivery will be severely limited.
- How long do C vs. D batteries last in storage?
- Alkaline C/D batteries retain 90% charge for 5-7 years when stored at 15°C (59°F).
- Are C batteries being phased out?
- No. Global C battery sales grew 4.2% in 2023, driven by IoT devices and medical applications.