Are power tool batteries interchangeable between brands?

No, batteries from different brands are not interchangeable. Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee each use proprietary battery systems that only work with their own tools.

What does battery compatibility mean for cordless tools?

Battery compatibility means which batteries physically fit and electrically work with which tools. Within a brand's platform (like Makita 18V LXT), all batteries work with all tools in that system.

Can I use a higher Ah battery in my power tool?

Yes, you can use any higher capacity battery within the same platform. A 5.0Ah battery will work in any tool that accepts a 3.0Ah battery from the same system, providing longer runtime.

Battery Compatibility - Tool Compatibility

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Compiled by the ToolCompatibility editorial team. We check key compatibility details against manufacturer specifications and manuals where available, and flag where to confirm for your exact tool or model. ToolCompatibility is independent and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any tool manufacturer. Compiled from manufacturer specifications and manuals — products are not physically tested by us unless a page says so · Editorial policy →

Table of Contents

Battery Compatibility Guide

Find out exactly which batteries work with which tools across the major cordless platforms. We cover Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee — with verified information sourced directly from manufacturer pages and official documentation.

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Which battery packs fit your tool, decoded — plus the 18V/20V myth every brand plays.

Browse by Brand

Makita

Three separate 18V/40V platforms — LXT, G-Series, and XGT — each with their own batteries and chargers.

View Makita platforms →

DeWalt

The 20V MAX system with FLEXVOLT backward compatibility — one of the most flexible ecosystems available.

View DeWalt platforms →

Milwaukee

M18 and M12 — both with complete internal compatibility across all tools and batteries.

View Milwaukee platforms →

Where to Buy Power Tool Batteries

Buy Makita Batteries on Amazon

Buy DeWalt Batteries on Amazon

Buy Milwaukee Batteries on Amazon

How we compile this guide

We cross-reference compatibility details against manufacturer specifications where available, official tool manuals, and the physical standards that govern fitment (bore sizes, arbor diameters, voltage platforms, connector types). We prioritise primary sources over retailer listings, flag anything we can’t confirm, and re-verify the data on a regular cycle. Where we give a buying recommendation, we tell you the reasoning — not just the link. More on our method →

Recommended Batteries

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Before you buy: check that the size, fitting/bore and maximum-rated speed marked on the accessory match what your tool’s manual specifies. We have not physically tested these products; listings are compiled from published specifications. These are affiliate links.

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