N / LR1
Cylindrical Cells · 4 specs
Direct Answer
An N battery (IEC designation LR1) is a 1.5V Alkaline cylindrical cell measuring approximately 12.0mm in diameter and 30.2mm in length -- between a AAA and a AA in size. It was historically common in pagers and remains used in some medical devices and specialty flashlights.
Source: IEC 60086-2 / Energizer E90 datasheet · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Diameter | 12.00 mm |
| Overall Length | 30.20 mm |
| Nominal Operating Voltage | 1.50 V |
| Chemistry | Alkaline |
A Size Between AAA and AA
The N cell sits in an uncommon middle ground -- larger in diameter than a AAA but noticeably shorter than a AA -- which kept it from becoming a mainstream consumer format even as it found steady use in specific devices. Manufacturer discharge data shows roughly 850-900mAh of capacity at a light 10-25mA continuous draw, falling off to under 400mAh at higher drain rates near 200mA, typical of small alkaline cells.
Its signature historical application was pagers, whose compact size and modest, low-current power draw suited the N cell well before pagers were largely displaced by mobile phones. It remains in production today mainly for medical devices, some specialty penlights, and other niche equipment already designed around its dimensions.