By Erik Watkins

BCI Battery Group Size Chart For Cars: Essential Notes

Last updated: Apr 11, 2023
bci battery group size chart

Some car owners often care about battery performance and price but ignore its size. However, the right dimension is the prerequisite for the device to function correctly and safely. 

In other words, understanding the BCI group size or equivalents should be done simultaneously with the different specifications. If you have no idea about this term, scroll down for an explanation. 

What Is BCI Car Battery Sizes?

The battery group size consists of a sequence of letters and numbers representing the car battery’s physical dimension. 

Meanwhile, BCI stands for Battery Council International, which sets the common standards for battery weight, size, and testing procedures in the US market.

Starter-Marine-Battery

The organization is also responsible for providing guidelines on recycling and storage and encouraging innovation to promote efficiency, safety standards, and sustainable technology. If your items are certified by BCI, feel free to rest assured about their performance.

The BCI battery classification lists more than 130 names for different groups of products. 

Based on these data, it is straightforward to consider the suitable vehicles or applications compatible with each battery type. The labels also clarify the terminal positions and assembly format.

BCI Car Battery Size Chart

Description ImageCIGroupNumberMillimetersInches
LWHLWH
212081732228 3/166 13/168 3/4
22F2411752119 1/26 7/88 5/16
22HF2411752299 1/26 7/89
22NF2401402279 7/165 1/28 15/16
2426017322510 1/46 13/168 7/8
24F27317322910 3/46 13/169
24H26017323810 1/46 13/169 3/8
24R26017322910 1/46 13/169
24T26017324810 1/46 13/169 3/4
252301752259 1/166 7/88 7/8
262081731978 3/166 13/167 3/4
26R2081731978 3/166 13/167 3/4
2730617322512 1/166 13/168 7/8
27F31817322712 1/26 13/168 15/16
27H29817323511 3/46 13/169 1/4
29NF330140227135 1/28 15/16
3333817323813 5/166 13/169 3/8
3426017320010 1/46 13/167 7/8
34R26017320010 1/46 13/167 7/8
352301752259 1/166 7/88 7/8
36R26318320610 3/87 1/48 1/8
40R27717517510 15/166 7/86 7/8
4129317517511 3/166 7/86 7/8
422431731739 5/166 13/166 13/16
4333417520513 1/86 7/88 1/16
452401402279 7/165 1/28 15/16
4627317322910 3/46 13/169
472461751909 11/166 7/87 1/2
4830617519212 1/166 7/87 9/16
49381175192156 7/87 3/16
5034312725413 1/2510
512381292239 3/85 1/168 13/16
51R2381292239 3/85 1/168 13/16
521861472107 5/165 13/168 1/4
53330119210134 11/168 1/4
541861542127 5/166 1/168 3/8
552181542128 5/86 1/168 3/8
56254154212106 1/168 3/8
572051831778 1/167 3/166 15/16
5825518317710 1/167 3/166 15/16
58R25518317710 1/167 3/166 15/16
5925519319610 1/167 5/87 3/4
6033216022513 1/166 5/168 7/8
611921622257 9/166 3/88 7/8
622251622258 7/86 3/88 7/8
6325816222510 3/166 3/88 7/8
6429616222511 11/166 3/88 7/8
6530619019212 1/167 1/27 9/16
702081791968 3/167 1/167 11/16
712081792168 3/167 1/168 1/2
722301792109 1/167 1/168 1/4
732301792169 1/167 1/168 1/2
7426018422210 1/47 1/48 3/4
752301791969 1/167 1/167 11/16
7633417921613 1/87 1/168 1/2
7826017919610 1/47 1/167 11/16
852301732039 1/166 13/168
862301732039 1/166 13/168
902461751759 11/166 7/86 7/8
91280175175116 7/86 7/8
9231717517512 1/26 7/86 7/8
93354175175156 7/86 7/8
95R39417519015 9/166 7/87 1/2
96R2421731759 9/166 13/166 7/8
97R2521751909 15/166 7/87 1/2
98R28317519011 3/166 7/87 1/2
12321812389 1/87 1/89 3/8
226418123810 3/87 1/89 3/8
2E49210523219 7/164 1/89 1/8
2N254141227105 9/168 15/16
17HF1871752297 3/86 7/89
4D52722225020 3/48 3/49 7/8
6D52725426020 3/41010 1/4
8D52728325020 3/411 1/89 7/8
2826117324010 5/166 13/169 7/16
29H33417123213 1/86 3/49 1/8 10
30H34317323513 1/26 13/169 1/4 10
31330173240136 13/189 7/16
GC226418327010 3/87 3/1610 5/8
GC2H26418329510 3/87 3/1611 5/8

How To Read BCI Group Battery Size Chart 

You face no challenges understanding the comparison chart above because the BCI has provided all the details. For example, group 94R measures 12.4 x 6.9 x 7.5 inches. 

The included image shows its battery posts at the top, and the positive terminal is on the right. In comparison, group 70 of automotive batteries locate both terminals on the side, and the left one is positive.

How To Choose The Correct Battery?

Essential Factors To Determine The Right Type Of Battery

The two most important factors to consider are the car’s compatibility with the battery in terms of power and the compartment design. 

At first, some modern vehicles require more additional amp hours than others, thus working well with high-efficiency and larger battery packs.

Type Of Battery

The right product should provide enough amperage to start and maintain engines and other modern accessories. If you fail to supply continuous power, the car will not run, especially in colder climates when the engine requires additional force.

Fortunately, it is not difficult to check the specifications. All necessary information is available in the owner’s manual, including recommended battery group and amp hour capacities.

Second, a suitable group should fit the internal construction and the post system. Getting the wrong dimension causes the product to wobble, damaging itself and the vehicle. You may sometimes not connect with battery cables and end up with useless components.

If you cannot find the manual, measure your battery tray to determine the right dimension. Then consult a battery specialist or mechanic to confirm your choice.

Once you have found the BCI group for your vehicle, consider the specifications of each item. Some people mistakenly assume that the physical size affects its amp-hour rate. 

That’s not the whole story now! Advanced battery technology has given birth to compact options that operate many times more powerfully than large ones.

What If I Can’t Find The Right Battery For My Group?

In some cases, you may not be able to find the actual size you need for your vehicle because it is out of stock. What should you do in an emergency?

Get a universal holder and tie-down and replace them with your current tray. Then look for a battery that resembles the existing one as much as possible. 

Another solution is to learn about recommended equivalents. Though the features are almost the same, you sometimes have to purchase a battery holder as the first solution for a perfect fit.

Regardless of which measure you follow, pay close attention to the specifications and ensure absolute accuracy.

Choose The Best Battery Replacement

Regarding battery replacement, most drivers understand the required specs and focus on comparing battery brands. Durability, performance or price are what matters most.

Nowadays, we have many resources available for good advice. Online customer reviews are the most objective information to reveal real experiences. You may also come across potential problems for your intended products. 

Alternatively, you can communicate with experienced mechanics happy to provide good recommendations for your preference.

BCI Equivalents: Cross Reference Battery Size Group Chart With DIN And EN Codes 

BCI GroupsMaximum DIN/EN Dimension(L x W x H mm)DIN CodesEN Codes
40R278 x 175 x 175T6, LB366LB
41293 x 175 x 175T6554LB
42242 x 175 x 175T5, LB245LB
47242 x 175 x 190H5, L255L2
48278 x 175 x 190H6, L366L3
49354 x 175 x 190H8, L388L5
90242 x 175 x 175T5, LB245LB
91278 x 175 x 175T6, LB366LB
92315 x 175 x 175T7LBN4
93353 x 175 x 175Q8LNN5
94R315 x 175 x 190H7, L477L4
95R394 x 175 x 190H9, L6
97R252 x 175 x 190H5, L255L2
98R283 x 175 x 190H6, L366L3
99207 x 175 x 175T4, LB136LB
99R210 x 175 x 175T4, LB136LB
175 x 175 x 190H3, L032L0
297 x 175 x 190H4, L145L1

Common Battery Sizes By Vehicle Types 

Passenger Cars

Commercial vehicles make up the majority of battery groups. Its vast range spans many sizes, specifications, and capacities. Some popular options include 24, 27, 34, 35, 49, 65, and 78.

Trucks

Light trucks typically use components in groups 1, 2, 2E, 17HF, and 19L. The choice varies with the number of electronic devices attached to the vehicle.

Heavy trucks are compatible with heavy-duty battery groups like 3, 3EH, 4, 5D, and 7D. These options typically have three cells, while six-cell parts, including 3ET, 4D, 6D, 8D, 2, 29H, and 31, are recommended for vehicles requiring high battery amp-hour capacity.

Motorcycles, Bikes, Or Powersports

Motorcycles battery

Labels for this type of vehicle usually start with CB, GB, YB, Y, G, or C. Some common names for lead-acid batteries include YB14L-A2, 12N24-3, or Y60-N24L -A.

Meanwhile, maintenance-free motorcycles have the initials YTX, GTX, or CTX. You can also refer to gel batteries with categories including YT, CT, GT, GTZ, CTZ, or YTZ.

Hybrid Cars

Electric vehicles often come with three-cell batteries like the CG2H and GC2. Some models may also require 4 or 6 cells, so consider GC8, GC8H, and GC12.

Lawn Mower

U1, U2, or U1R are common in lawnmowers, golf carts, and utility vehicles. You may be surprised to learn that they are considered general-purpose batteries.

Boats, Large RVs

For marine batteries, the group of 24, which are lead-acid parts, come out on top. Some other options worth considering include 4D, 8D, 27, 31, and 34.

FAQs

Is There A Universal Group Battery?

NO. Each car requires a different capacity and size. So what does the “universal battery” label found on products mean?

Essentially, they are another sizing system that includes UV and another five-digit and five-character string. Similar to BCI, this classification implies shape, size, and other important properties.

What Happens If I Use The Wrong Battery?

If you use the wrong size, a change in current may occur. As a result, voltage spikes or drops, thus hindering the continuous operation and causing damage to the built-in computer and other components.

Does Car Battery Size Matter?

Absolutely, yes. Compatibility is necessary to maintain ultimate performance and avoid the risks of explosion.

How Do You Know What Car Battery Sizes To Install?

Consult the user manual for the best auto manufacturer recommendations. You can also find the BCI group right on the existing battery. Its label usually appears at the top or front of your component.

Conclusion

The BCI battery size chart suggests essential information about the appropriate dimension, terminal system, and vehicle type. However, many other key terms come into play, such as engine size, power demand, cost-effectiveness, performance, etc. 

Considering the whole picture for maximum energy efficiency and safety standards is best.

Automotive Mechanic at PowerAll

With 7 years experience in management positions leading automotive mechanics at PowerAll, Erik Watkins wishes to share useful knowledge and information about automotive mechanical equipment.

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