Battery Shelf Life: The Storage Guide

How long batteries last in storage and how to keep them from losing charge.

Shelf life depends on chemistry: alkaline holds 5–10 years, carbon zinc 2–3 years, lithium coin cells 5–10 years with low self-discharge, NiMH rechargeable 1–2 years when stored charged.

Store batteries in the original pack, in a cool (10–25 °C) and dry place — heat is the main enemy: 10 °C cooler roughly doubles storage life.

Do not store loose coins or batteries with metal objects: short circuits drain and can damage cells. Keep button cells in their blister or taped.

For retail: rotate stock FIFO and keep expiry/guarantee dates legible — we print production dates on bulk packaging on request.