24F vs 27F Battery: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a new battery for your car, you might be wondering whether to choose a 24F or 27F. Both options have their own sets of pros and cons, so it’s important to know what each offers before making a decision.

24F and 27F are both six-cell 12-volt batteries. Yet, they differ in a few key ways. Notably, they differ primarily in size. 24F batteries are typically a bit smaller than 27F batteries, which is greatly relevant when space is a concern. Yet, 27Fs hold more reserve capacity and last longer than 24Fs.

In this article, we’ll compare 24f vs 27f battery over a broader set of criteria so you can decide which one is the best fit for your vehicle.

Overview of 24F Batteries

Length	10.75-inch (27.3-cm)
Width	6.81-inch (17.3-cm)
Height	9-inch (22.9-cm)
Body Style	Traditionally styled with a flat classic top
Terminals	STD/SAE Right Top Post Positive
Flanges	Split side and raised holding ledge
Voltage	12 Volts
CCA or Cold Cranking Amps	250-730
Reserve Capacity Minutes	50-95
Polarity	Right Positive

24F batteries have a dimension of 10.75 x 6.81 x 9 inches. The weight of the battery will depend on the brand but it is usually between 55 and 60 pounds. These six-cell 12-volt batteries fit most cars on the road because of their small size.

The electrodes of 24F batteries are mostly made from lead or lead oxide. The electrolyte is a mixture of water and sulphuric acid. It has small calcium grids that help to reduce corrosion. Besides, its comprehensive terminal layout design helps prevent leaks.

With cold cranking amps between 250 and 730 and a reserve capacity of around 50-95 minutes, 24F batteries are designed to start your car in extreme weather conditions. The life expectancy of a 24F battery is usually between three and five years.

Overview of 27F Batteries

Length	12.52-inch (31.8-cm)
Width	6.81-inch (17.3-cm)
Height	9-inch (22.9-cm)
Body Style	Traditionally styled with a flat classic top
Terminals	STD/SAE Right Top Post Positive
Flanges	Split side and raised holding ledge
Voltage	12 Volts
CCA or Cold Cranking Amps	315-710
Reserve Capacity Minutes	100-150
Polarity	Right Positive

27F batteries have a dimension of 12.52 x 6.81 x 9 inches. So it’s basically two inches longer than 24Fs. And despite the larger size, they weigh considerably less, between 45 and 50 pounds. They fit full-size cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Just like 24Fs, 27F batteries are six-cell 12-volt batteries that use lead or lead oxide electrodes. Likewise, the electrolyte is a mixture of water and sulphuric acid. However, it uses larger grids made of polyethylene to reduce corrosion as polyethylene is the kind of material that doesn’t cause battery corrosion and gives the battery a longer lifespan.

Cold Cranking Amps wise, 27F batteries are slightly less powerful than 24F batteries, around 315-710. However, they make up for it in Reserve Capacity, which is 100-150 minutes, often nearly double that of 24F batteries. The life expectancy is also longer, between four and six years.

24F vs 27F Battery Comparison Chart

Before we get into a more detailed analysis, let’s take a look at how 24F and 27F batteries compare in key specs through the below comparison chart.

Characteristics	24F	27F
Dimensions	10.75 x 6.81 x 9 inches	12.52 x 6.81 x 9 inches
Body Style	Traditionally styled with a flat classic top	Traditionally styled with a flat classic top
Average Weight	55-60 pounds	45-50 pounds
Terminals	STD/SAE Right Top Post Positive	STD/SAE Right Top Post Positive
Flanges	Split side and raised holding ledge	Split side and raised holding ledge
Voltage	12 Volts	12 Volts
CCA or Cold Cranking Amps	250-730	315-710
Reserve Capacity Minutes	50-95	100-150
Polarity	Right Positive	Right Positive
Duration of Recharging	Longer	Shorter
Lifespan	3-5 years	4-6 years
Price	Less	More

What Are the Differences Between 24F and 27F Battery?

Both 24F and 27F battery groups are worldwide accepted and used by many car manufacturers. These six-cell batteries share a similar design, voltage, function, and installation process. Similarly, their applications pretty much involve similar power automotive needs.

Yet, there are certain differences between them that you should know about before making a purchase; such as-

Size

As mentioned before, size is the main difference between 24F and 27F batteries. The former is smaller than the latter by two inches in length.

Hence, 24F batteries are a better fit for smaller cars while 27F batteries are ideal for larger vehicles. This is particularly crucial in vehicles where space is limited, such as in some sports cars.

Terminal Positions

When it comes to terminal positions, there’s nothing to separate the two battery types. They’re both designed with the positive terminal on the right side (if you’re looking at the battery from the front) and the negative terminal on the left.

The STD/SAE automotive standard is for the positive terminal to be on the right, but you should still check your car’s owner’s manual to be sure.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

24F batteries have a slight advantage over 27F batteries when it comes to CCA. The 24F battery range is 250-730 while the 27F is 315-710.

Cold-cranking amps or CCA measure a battery’s cold-weather cranking characteristics. The higher the number, the better. 24F batteries, with their higher CCA range, are better suited for use in areas with cold weather conditions.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

27F batteries have a higher reserve capacity (RC) rating than their 24F counterpart, which measures how long a battery can power a car’s accessories after the engine has been turned off. 24F batteries have an RC rating of 50-95 minutes while 27F batteries have a rating of 100-150 minutes.

RC is important if you regularly use your car’s accessories (lights, radio, etc.) for long periods of time after the engine has been turned off. A higher RC rating means the battery will last longer before needing to be recharged.

Working Capacity and Charging Duration

The recharge time for 27F batteries is shorter than for 24F batteries. On average, it takes about six hours to fully recharge a 27F battery while it can take up to eight hours for a 24F battery.

This is due to the fact that 27F batteries have a higher Ah rating than 24F batteries. Ah, or ampere-hour is a measure of a battery’s electrical storage capacity.

The working capacity of a battery is the number of ampere-hours (Ah) it can deliver over a 20-hour period. Typically, the higher the Ah rating, the higher the working capacity and the longer the battery will last before needing to be recharged.

For example, a 27F battery with an Ah rating of 60 will last twice as long as a 24F battery with an Ah rating of 30. Keep in mind that the actual recharge time will vary depending on the battery’s current state of discharge.

Lifespan

On average, 27F batteries have a bit longer lifespan than 24F batteries. Where the latter has a lifespan of three to five years, the former’s expectancy is between four and six years.

The difference in reserve capacity is what primarily contributes to the 27F battery’s longer lifespan. A higher RC rating means that the battery can be discharged and recharged more times before it needs to be replaced.

Pricing

27F batteries tend to be more expensive than 24F batteries. This is due to the fact that they offer more power and a longer lifespan. So if you’re tight on budget, a 24F battery may be the better option.

24F or 27F Battery: Which One Should You Choose?

Although 27F is the clear winner between the two battery groups in most aspects, the answer to the above question still depends on your specific needs.

For instance, if you live in an area with cold weather conditions, a 24F battery may be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you regularly use your car’s accessories for long periods of time (maybe even after the engine has been turned off), a 27F battery may be more suited for you.

And don’t forget their size plays into the decision as well; 27F batteries are physically larger and may not fit in some cars.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which battery is right for you is to consult your car’s owner’s manufacturer or check the user manual. It will have specific recommendations on the type of battery that should be used for your make and model. Or, you can always ask a professional at your local auto parts store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about 24F and 27F batteries.

What Does 24f Or 27f Mean In Car Batteries?

24F or 27F in car batteries indicates their size and terminal layout. The “F” refers to the battery’s flat layout of the terminal posts, while the numbers “24” or “27” correspond to the battery’s length and width in inches.

What Vehicles Use 27f Batteries?

27F batteries are typically used in larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans. And besides automobiles, they are also used in RVs, boats, and other recreational vehicles.

Do All 27f Or 24f Batteries Have The Same Size?

Not necessarily. Although most 27F or 24F batteries have the same dimensions, there are some that may be slightly larger or smaller than the standard size. It all depends on the company it’s manufactured from and the make and model of the vehicle it’s intended to be used in.

How Do I Know If My Car Uses A 24f Or 27f Battery?

The best way to know for sure is to consult your car’s owner’s manual. It will have specific recommendations on the type of battery that should be used for your make and model. Yet, you can check the battery group by inspecting the label on the battery that came with your vehicle.

Can I Use A 27f Battery In A Car That Requires A 24f Battery Or Vice Versa?

You can, so long as the battery fits in the designated space, which is rarely the case. Since both 24F and 27F use the same 12-v voltage, there shouldn’t be any issues, otherwise. However, it’s not recommended as the size difference will cause extreme congestion or jerking, leading to severe damage to the battery.

Conclusion

Batteries are essential parts of a vehicle since they determine its efficiency and ensure its longevity. As cars come in many different types, sizes, and shapes, they are designed to meet the needs of various models and types.

Hopefully, our 24F Vs 27F battery comparison has helped you understand battery specifications and determine which would be best for your vehicle.

With the advancement of technology, consumers are presented with an ever-increasing variety of choices, which can leave them feeling confused. However, by taking the time to learn about the products, picking the right option becomes much easier.