Free tools

Car Battery Size Code Decoder

Many batteries for Japanese and Asian cars use a code such as 40B19L. Type the code from your battery label to see what each part means.

How the code is built

• First number (for example 40): a performance rating. It is a relative guide to capacity and starting power, not an exact figure in amps or amp-hours.
• Letter (for example B): the width and height class of the case.
• Second number (for example 19): the approximate length of the case in centimetres.
• Last letter (L or R): the terminal side. Look at the battery with the terminals on the side nearest to you. L means the positive terminal is on the left. R means it is on the right.

Before you buy

1. Check the length, width and height of your battery tray against the new battery.
2. Check the terminal side, so that the cables reach.
3. Match or exceed the capacity (Ah) and cold-cranking amps your car needs.
4. Check the manufacture date and the warranty.

This tool decodes Japanese-style codes. Other systems, such as European codes, use different rules, so check the label or ask the seller.