BCI Battery Group Size Chart For Cars: Essential Notes

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.

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 Image	CIGroupNumber	Millimeters			Inches
		L	W	H	L	W	H
	21	208	173	222	8 3/16	6 13/16	8 3/4
	22F	241	175	211	9 1/2	6 7/8	8 5/16
	22HF	241	175	229	9 1/2	6 7/8	9
	22NF	240	140	227	9 7/16	5 1/2	8 15/16
	24	260	173	225	10 1/4	6 13/16	8 7/8
	24F	273	173	229	10 3/4	6 13/16	9
	24H	260	173	238	10 1/4	6 13/16	9 3/8
	24R	260	173	229	10 1/4	6 13/16	9
	24T	260	173	248	10 1/4	6 13/16	9 3/4
	25	230	175	225	9 1/16	6 7/8	8 7/8
	26	208	173	197	8 3/16	6 13/16	7 3/4
	26R	208	173	197	8 3/16	6 13/16	7 3/4
	27	306	173	225	12 1/16	6 13/16	8 7/8
	27F	318	173	227	12 1/2	6 13/16	8 15/16
	27H	298	173	235	11 3/4	6 13/16	9 1/4
	29NF	330	140	227	13	5 1/2	8 15/16
	33	338	173	238	13 5/16	6 13/16	9 3/8
	34	260	173	200	10 1/4	6 13/16	7 7/8
	34R	260	173	200	10 1/4	6 13/16	7 7/8
	35	230	175	225	9 1/16	6 7/8	8 7/8
	36R	263	183	206	10 3/8	7 1/4	8 1/8
	40R	277	175	175	10 15/16	6 7/8	6 7/8
	41	293	175	175	11 3/16	6 7/8	6 7/8
	42	243	173	173	9 5/16	6 13/16	6 13/16
	43	334	175	205	13 1/8	6 7/8	8 1/16
	45	240	140	227	9 7/16	5 1/2	8 15/16
	46	273	173	229	10 3/4	6 13/16	9
	47	246	175	190	9 11/16	6 7/8	7 1/2
	48	306	175	192	12 1/16	6 7/8	7 9/16
	49	381	175	192	15	6 7/8	7 3/16
	50	343	127	254	13 1/2	5	10
	51	238	129	223	9 3/8	5 1/16	8 13/16
	51R	238	129	223	9 3/8	5 1/16	8 13/16
	52	186	147	210	7 5/16	5 13/16	8 1/4
	53	330	119	210	13	4 11/16	8 1/4
	54	186	154	212	7 5/16	6 1/16	8 3/8
	55	218	154	212	8 5/8	6 1/16	8 3/8
	56	254	154	212	10	6 1/16	8 3/8
	57	205	183	177	8 1/16	7 3/16	6 15/16
	58	255	183	177	10 1/16	7 3/16	6 15/16
	58R	255	183	177	10 1/16	7 3/16	6 15/16
	59	255	193	196	10 1/16	7 5/8	7 3/4
	60	332	160	225	13 1/16	6 5/16	8 7/8
	61	192	162	225	7 9/16	6 3/8	8 7/8
	62	225	162	225	8 7/8	6 3/8	8 7/8
	63	258	162	225	10 3/16	6 3/8	8 7/8
	64	296	162	225	11 11/16	6 3/8	8 7/8
	65	306	190	192	12 1/16	7 1/2	7 9/16
	70	208	179	196	8 3/16	7 1/16	7 11/16
	71	208	179	216	8 3/16	7 1/16	8 1/2
	72	230	179	210	9 1/16	7 1/16	8 1/4
	73	230	179	216	9 1/16	7 1/16	8 1/2
	74	260	184	222	10 1/4	7 1/4	8 3/4
	75	230	179	196	9 1/16	7 1/16	7 11/16
	76	334	179	216	13 1/8	7 1/16	8 1/2
	78	260	179	196	10 1/4	7 1/16	7 11/16
	85	230	173	203	9 1/16	6 13/16	8
	86	230	173	203	9 1/16	6 13/16	8
	90	246	175	175	9 11/16	6 7/8	6 7/8
	91	280	175	175	11	6 7/8	6 7/8
	92	317	175	175	12 1/2	6 7/8	6 7/8
	93	354	175	175	15	6 7/8	6 7/8
	95R	394	175	190	15 9/16	6 7/8	7 1/2
	96R	242	173	175	9 9/16	6 13/16	6 7/8
	97R	252	175	190	9 15/16	6 7/8	7 1/2
	98R	283	175	190	11 3/16	6 7/8	7 1/2
	1	232	181	238	9 1/8	7 1/8	9 3/8
	2	264	181	238	10 3/8	7 1/8	9 3/8
	2E	492	105	232	19 7/16	4 1/8	9 1/8
	2N	254	141	227	10	5 9/16	8 15/16
	17HF	187	175	229	7 3/8	6 7/8	9
	4D	527	222	250	20 3/4	8 3/4	9 7/8
	6D	527	254	260	20 3/4	10	10 1/4
	8D	527	283	250	20 3/4	11 1/8	9 7/8
	28	261	173	240	10 5/16	6 13/16	9 7/16
	29H	334	171	232	13 1/8	6 3/4	9 1/8 10
	30H	343	173	235	13 1/2	6 13/16	9 1/4 10
	31	330	173	240	13	6 13/18	9 7/16
	GC2	264	183	270	10 3/8	7 3/16	10 5/8
	GC2H	264	183	295	10 3/8	7 3/16	11 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.

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 Groups	Maximum DIN/EN Dimension(L x W x H mm)	DIN Codes	EN Codes
40R	278 x 175 x 175	T6, LB3	66LB
41	293 x 175 x 175	T65	54LB
42	242 x 175 x 175	T5, LB2	45LB
47	242 x 175 x 190	H5, L2	55L2
48	278 x 175 x 190	H6, L3	66L3
49	354 x 175 x 190	H8, L3	88L5
90	242 x 175 x 175	T5, LB2	45LB
91	278 x 175 x 175	T6, LB3	66LB
92	315 x 175 x 175	T7	LBN4
93	353 x 175 x 175	Q8	LNN5
94R	315 x 175 x 190	H7, L4	77L4
95R	394 x 175 x 190	H9, L6	–
97R	252 x 175 x 190	H5, L2	55L2
98R	283 x 175 x 190	H6, L3	66L3
99	207 x 175 x 175	T4, LB1	36LB
99R	210 x 175 x 175	T4, LB1	36LB
–	175 x 175 x 190	H3, L0	32L0
–	297 x 175 x 190	H4, L1	45L1

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

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.