What do the numbers on rechargeable batteries mean?

@Idlewild (6090)
United States
April 28, 2007 12:11am CST
I use rechargeable AA batteries in a lot of things around the house, and notice they have different numbers on them-- 2300 mAh, 2500 mAh, etc. Does a higher number mean it has more power, holds a charge longer, or what? I assume any AA battery would provide the same voltage, etc., so this number must mean something else. I try not to mix different numbered batteries in the same device, but don't know if that's necessary. Anybody know about these numbers and what they mean?
1 response
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
28 Apr 07
mAh stands for milliamp-hours. Yes, that is how long it lasts. The higher the number...the longer the charge. However, from what I understand...AA batteries are supposed to be a 1.5 volt battery. So, even though the Size of the battery is supposed to be also the Size of the volts...they have been coming out with different types of cells that have been changing that. So, this is also why the mAh can make a different in some things...like digital cameras. I do not know what batteries are best for what products...as I have been confused and when we bought the digital camera...with all the different batteries and chargers and numbers...I just looked at the package and bought what was recommended. This is about all the information I retained. ha ha Hope that helps. :)
1 person likes this
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
28 Apr 07
That's great info, thanks, it's what I suspected. So I guess I'll buy the batteries with the highest number, I should be able to get the most time between recharges.
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
28 Apr 07
Yes you should. :) But they will cost a bit more for lasting longer also. I am glad that I could help!!! :)
1 person likes this
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
29 Apr 07
Yeah, I'll definitely go for the longer-lasting ones, since it seems rechargeables don't last as long on a charge as do regular batteries.