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Understanding Car Battery Fitment & Sizing: A Guide for Drivers
Ensmar Automotive Batteries are available in the most common standardized BCI sizes used by auto manufacturers, making them a direct and easy replacement for your vehicle’s lead-acid battery.
We understand that the variety of battery sizes can sometimes be confusing for customers, so we’ve created this webpage to help simplify the selection process.
Basic Battery Sizing Facts for Most Cars Built in the Last 15 Years
Around 90% of cars today use just 7 battery sizes, so the selection is not as overwhelming as it might seem. What often causes confusion is that the same battery size can have different names depending on the region. For example, a battery referred to as Group 48 in the U.S. is also called H6 by European manufacturers.
Most European cars use one of four battery sizes, making the selection process straightforward. Sizes like H5, H6, H7, and H8 are used in about 95% of all European vehicles. Additionally, many European cars can accommodate any of these sizes because their battery mounts are standardized to fit the same width and height. The only difference is the length (left to right), which varies between these sizes.
Battery Sizes
| “H” Series | “T” Series | Groups 35 and 51R | Groups 24 and 27 |
| used in most modern Euro or modern American Cars | in European Cars, but not as often as “H” sizes | used mostly in Japanese Cars, some others | this is an older American Cars Standard |
| H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9 | T5, T6 | Group-35, Group-51R | Group-24, Group-27 |
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All batteries in the "H" configuration have the same width and height, with only the length (left-to-right dimension) varying. These batteries are also referred to by BCI Group Sizes, meaning they have two different names but are the same battery. You can easily cross-reference these sizes by checking the label on your battery. For example:
The H6 and H7 sizes are often interchangeable and are the most common batteries used in modern vehicles. They fit most European cars as well as many newer American models. |
All "T" battery sizes share the same footprint as the "H" sizes, but they are approximately 3/4 inch (17mm) shorter in height.
These "T" models are less commonly used in vehicles compared to the more popular "H" sizes. |
The Group 35 battery, also known as Q85, can also be used as a substitute for Group 24, as it is just 1 inch narrower. It is commonly found in Japanese cars and trucks, including models from Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Acura, as well as some older American cars. The Group 51 battery is typically used in Hondas, Nissan GTRs, and other Japanese vehicles. Due to its similar height and length but narrower front-to-back dimensions, it can also serve as a smaller, lighter alternative to the Group 35, making it a popular choice for racing applications. |
Group 24 and Group 27 batteries are mostly found in older American cars, some Honda and GM models, and are commonly used in boats. These two battery sizes are similar, with the main difference being their length. Our Group 35 battery can be used as a replacement for Group 24, as it is only 1 inch shorter in length (left-to-right dimension). |
Compare
Take a look at the comparison chart below to see how many performance cars use the same battery size, and how certain batteries can be interchangeable between different models.
