Batteries are everywhere—from your TV remote to your car. But how do you know if they’re still working properly?
A digital multimeter makes it easy to check the voltage of any battery. Whether you're testing a small AA battery or a 12V car battery, the process is simple and safe.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to use a multimeter to test a battery in just a few quick steps.
🔧 What You’ll Need
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A digital multimeter (auto-ranging or manual)
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The battery you want to test (e.g., AA, AAA, 9V, 12V car battery)
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Optional: Battery spec label or manufacturer voltage reference
📏 Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Turn the Multimeter to DC Voltage
Most batteries output DC (Direct Current), so:
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Select the “V⎓” setting (not “V~”, which is AC)
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For manual meters: choose a voltage range slightly higher than the battery's expected voltage
(e.g., for a 1.5V battery, use the 2V or 20V setting)
Step 2: Connect the Probes
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Plug the black probe into the COM port
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Plug the red probe into the VΩmA or V port
Step 3: Touch the Battery Terminals
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Touch the black probe to the battery’s negative (-) terminal
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Touch the red probe to the battery’s positive (+) terminal
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Hold steady and observe the reading
Step 4: Read the Display
Check the voltage displayed:
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1.5V AA or AAA battery:
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1.5V – 1.6V = Good
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1.2V – 1.4V = Weak
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<1.1V = Replace
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9V battery:
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8.5V – 9.5V = Good
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<8V = Replace
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12V car battery (engine off):
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12.4V – 12.6V = Healthy
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12.0V – 12.3V = Low
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<12V = Recharge or Replace
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❗ Tips & Warnings
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Don’t short the battery terminals with the probes.
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If using a rechargeable battery, check its voltage range separately.
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For car batteries, avoid testing while the engine is running unless you know how to measure charging voltage safely.
🧰 Which Multimeter to Use?
You can use any digital multimeter, but we recommend a model with:
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Auto-ranging for ease of use
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Clear backlit display
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Compact design for one-hand testing
👉 BSIDE multimeters like the S11, SH7, or S30 are ideal for household and automotive battery testing.
✅ Conclusion
Testing a battery with a multimeter is quick, simple, and can save you time and frustration. Instead of guessing whether a battery is still good, just grab your multimeter and find out.
If you're new to electronics, this is one of the easiest and most useful skills you can learn.
