Use our free battery compatibility checker below to instantly find out which batteries, chargers, and tools work together across every major cordless platform. Just type a tool model number, battery code, or brand name and the checker will show you every compatible match — no guesswork, no scrolling through PDF charts.
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How the Battery Compatibility Checker Works
Our compatibility checker draws on a database of over 1,500 cordless tools, batteries, and chargers from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Bosch, HiKOKI, Einhell, and other leading brands. Start typing any tool model number (like DHP486 or DCF887), a battery code (like BL1860B or DCB206), or simply a brand name to see results instantly.
Each result shows you the full compatibility chain: which batteries physically fit the tool, which chargers work with those batteries, and what other tools in the same platform share the same battery. This saves you from buying the wrong battery or missing out on tools you could already power with batteries you own.
Battery Platforms Covered
The checker covers every major cordless power tool battery platform sold in the UK, including professional and DIY ranges. Here is a summary of what each platform includes and how their batteries cross-reference.
Makita 18V LXT Battery Compatibility
The Makita 18V LXT platform is the largest single-battery ecosystem in the power tool market, with over 300 tools sharing the same slide-on 18V lithium-ion battery. Every Makita LXT battery — from the compact BL1820B (2.0Ah) to the high-capacity BL1860B (6.0Ah) — fits every LXT tool. The BL1860B and BL1850B are the most popular choices for tradespeople who need sustained runtime on demanding tools like grinders and circular saws. Makita LXT batteries also power 36V (18Vx2) tools when used in pairs, which means your existing batteries can run larger equipment without buying into a new platform. Use the checker above to see every Makita LXT tool and battery match.
Makita 40V Max XGT Battery Compatibility
Makita’s 40V Max XGT system delivers higher power output for professional applications. XGT batteries are not backwards-compatible with 18V LXT tools (and vice versa) without an adaptor. The XGT range includes the BL4025 (2.5Ah), BL4040 (4.0Ah), and BL4050F (5.0Ah), all sharing the same connector. If you are deciding between LXT and XGT, the checker can help you see exactly which tools are available on each platform.
DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility
The DeWalt 20V MAX system powers over 250 tools with a shared battery connection. All 20V MAX batteries — including the DCB201 (1.5Ah), DCB204 (4.0Ah), and DCB206 (6.0Ah) — fit every 20V MAX tool. Importantly, DeWalt FLEXVOLT batteries (like the DCB606 and DCB612) are backwards-compatible with all 20V MAX tools, giving you a single battery that works across both the standard and high-power ranges. The checker will show you which DeWalt batteries fit your specific tool model.
Milwaukee M18 Battery Compatibility
Milwaukee’s M18 platform spans over 250 tools from compact impact drivers to large rotary hammers. All M18 batteries share the same rail-mount connection, so the M18 CP2.0 (48-11-1820), M18 XC5.0 (48-11-1850), and the high-output M18 HO6.0 (48-11-1862) all fit every M18 tool. Milwaukee also offers M18 FUEL tools which accept standard M18 batteries but deliver brushless motor performance. Note that M18 batteries do not fit M12 tools — these are separate platforms with different physical connectors.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Battery Compatibility
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V system is the UK’s most popular DIY platform with over 280 tools. Ryobi has maintained the same battery connection since 1996, meaning a battery purchased today still fits tools from nearly three decades ago. Current ONE+ batteries range from the compact P189 (1.5Ah) to the HIGH PERFORMANCE PBP007 (6.0Ah). Ryobi ONE+ HP tools accept standard ONE+ batteries but deliver enhanced performance with HP batteries. Use the checker to find which Ryobi batteries give you the best runtime for your tool.
Bosch 18V Battery Compatibility
Bosch Professional 18V tools use batteries from the Bosch 18V system, which is also part of the AMPShare alliance — meaning Bosch Professional 18V batteries fit tools from Fein, Starmix, and other partner brands within the alliance. Batteries range from the GBA 18V 2.0Ah to the ProCORE 18V 12.0Ah. The checker includes all compatible Bosch 18V tools and shows which AMPShare partner tools also accept these batteries.
Other Platforms
The checker also covers HiKOKI Multi Volt, Einhell Power X-Change, WORX PowerShare, Parkside 20V, and the Cordless Alliance System (CAS). Each platform has its own battery connection, and the checker will tell you instantly whether a battery fits a given tool.
Can You Use Batteries Across Different Brands?
No — cordless power tool batteries are not interchangeable between brands. A Makita battery will not physically fit a DeWalt or Milwaukee tool. Each manufacturer uses a proprietary connector design, unique terminal layout, and brand-specific electronic communication between the battery management system and the tool. Even if two batteries share the same voltage (for example, Makita 18V LXT and Milwaukee M18 are both 18V), the physical form factor prevents cross-fitting.
However, battery adapters exist that allow you to use one brand’s battery in another brand’s tool. These third-party adapters bridge the physical and electrical connection, but they come with trade-offs: they add bulk to the tool, may bypass some safety features, and are not endorsed by the tool manufacturers. Our battery adapter guides cover the most common cross-brand combinations, including Makita to DeWalt, DeWalt to Makita, and Makita to Milwaukee.
Understanding Battery Specifications
When checking battery compatibility, there are three key specifications that determine how a battery performs in your tool:
Voltage (V) determines power output. Within a brand’s platform, all batteries share the same voltage and connector. A higher voltage does not mean a battery fits more tools — it means it belongs to a different platform entirely. For example, Makita’s 18V LXT and 40V XGT batteries are completely separate systems.
Amp-hours (Ah) determine runtime. A 5.0Ah battery lasts roughly 2.5 times longer than a 2.0Ah battery on the same tool. All batteries within the same platform are physically interchangeable regardless of Ah rating, so you can use a 2.0Ah or a 6.0Ah in the same tool — the higher capacity just runs longer. See our guide on whether you can use a higher Ah battery for more detail.
Watt-hours (Wh) combine voltage and capacity to give total energy storage: Wh = V x Ah. This is the most useful single number for comparing batteries across platforms. A Makita BL1860B (18V, 6.0Ah) stores 108Wh, while a Milwaukee M18 HO6.0 (18V, 6.0Ah) also stores 108Wh — similar energy, but completely different connectors.
What You Can Check
The compatibility checker is designed to answer the questions tradespeople and DIYers ask most often about their cordless tool batteries:
Which batteries fit my tool? Type your tool model number (e.g., DHP486, DCF887, 2767-20) and see every compatible battery listed with capacity and weight.
Which tools can I run with my battery? Enter a battery model (e.g., BL1850B, DCB205, 48-11-1850) to see every tool in that platform.
Which charger do I need? The checker shows compatible chargers for each battery, including fast chargers and dual-port options. For more detail, see our charger compatibility guide.
Can I use a battery from one tool in another? If both tools are on the same platform (same brand, same voltage), the answer is almost always yes. The checker confirms this instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are power tool batteries interchangeable between brands?
No. Each brand uses a proprietary battery connector and communication protocol. A Makita battery cannot physically fit a DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, or Ryobi tool — and attempting to force a connection can damage the tool, the battery, or both. Within a single brand’s platform (for example, all Makita 18V LXT tools), batteries are fully interchangeable regardless of capacity. Cross-brand battery adapters exist but are third-party accessories not endorsed by the manufacturers.
Can I use a higher Ah battery in my cordless tool?
Yes. Within the same platform, you can use any Ah capacity battery. A 6.0Ah battery fits the same tool as a 2.0Ah battery — it is simply heavier and lasts longer. The tool draws only the current it needs, so a higher capacity battery will not damage or over-power the tool. The only downside is additional weight: a 6.0Ah battery typically weighs 200-300g more than a 3.0Ah. See our full guide on using a higher Ah battery for the details.
How do I find which battery fits my Makita tool?
Type your Makita tool model number (printed on the tool label, e.g., DHP486Z, DTD172Z, DGA504Z) into the checker above. It will show you every compatible Makita battery by model number and capacity. Most Makita cordless tools sold in the UK use 18V LXT batteries, but some newer professional tools require 40V Max XGT batteries. The checker distinguishes between these platforms automatically.
How do I find which battery fits my DeWalt tool?
Enter your DeWalt tool model number (e.g., DCD796, DCG405, DCH273) into the checker. DeWalt tools in the UK primarily use 18V XR batteries (marketed as 20V MAX in some regions). FLEXVOLT batteries are also compatible with all 18V XR tools while additionally powering 54V FLEXVOLT tools. See our DeWalt battery compatibility page for the full breakdown.
How do I find which battery fits my Milwaukee tool?
Search for your Milwaukee model number (e.g., M18FPD3, M18FMTIWF12, 2767-20) in the checker. Milwaukee offers two separate platforms — M12 (12V compact) and M18 (18V full-size) — with different battery connectors. The checker automatically identifies which platform your tool belongs to and shows only compatible batteries. Visit our Milwaukee M18 compatibility page for more detail.
Will a Ryobi ONE+ battery from 2010 fit a new Ryobi tool?
Yes. Ryobi has maintained the same ONE+ battery connection since 1996. Any ONE+ 18V battery — including older Ni-Cd models — physically fits any ONE+ tool. However, some newer Ryobi ONE+ HP tools deliver enhanced performance specifically with HP-labelled lithium batteries, though they still accept standard ONE+ batteries. Check our Ryobi ONE+ 18V compatibility page for the full story.
Are third-party replacement batteries safe to use?
Third-party batteries that match the correct platform connector will physically fit and power your tool. However, they vary significantly in quality and safety. Cheap replacements may lack proper battery management systems, overheat protection, or accurate capacity ratings. We recommend reading our guide on whether third-party batteries are safe before purchasing, and only buying from reputable manufacturers with genuine cell certifications.
More Battery Compatibility Resources
Beyond the checker, we have detailed compatibility guides for every major platform. These go deeper into specific tool categories, charger options, and buying recommendations:
Battery Platform Guides: Makita 18V LXT · Makita 40V XGT · DeWalt 20V MAX · DeWalt FLEXVOLT · Milwaukee M18 · Milwaukee M12 · Ryobi ONE+ 18V · Bosch 18V
Comparison Guides: Makita vs DeWalt vs Milwaukee · Full Battery Compatibility Chart · Charger Compatibility Guide
Buying Guides: Best Battery for Drills · Impact Drivers · Circular Saws · Angle Grinders · Reciprocating Saws