DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility

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The DeWalt 20V MAX system is DeWalt’s main 18V-nominal cordless platform (sold as 18V XR in the UK). All 20V MAX batteries are compatible with all 20V MAX tools, and DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT batteries extend that compatibility further.

TL;DR

  • All DeWalt 20V MAX batteries are compatible with all DeWalt 20V MAX tools.
  • FLEXVOLT batteries are backward compatible and also work in 20V MAX tools.
  • Standard 20V MAX batteries do NOT work in 60V or 120V FLEXVOLT-only tools.
  • We found no DeWalt statement that 12V MAX packs fit 20V MAX tools, or the reverse — treat them as separate platforms.
  • Check your tool’s voltage nameplate before purchasing batteries.

Compatibility Rules

Within the DeWalt 20V MAX system, all batteries — from compact packs to high-capacity packs — are fully interchangeable across tools. The FLEXVOLT battery system is backward compatible: DeWalt says a FLEXVOLT battery operates as an 18V (20V MAX) battery in an 18V product.

What It Is NOT Compatible With

PlatformCompatible?Notes
DeWalt 20V MAX tools✅ YesFull cross-compatibility within 20V MAX
DeWalt FLEXVOLT batteries in 20V MAX tools✅ YesFLEXVOLT auto-adjusts to 20V
DeWalt 60V/120V FLEXVOLT tools❌ NoDeWalt lists only FLEXVOLT packs for its 54V (60V MAX) tools
DeWalt 12V MAX❌ NoSeparate platform; we found no DeWalt cross-fit statement

Genuine batteries, chargers and kits for this platform

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Genuine packs only; check the listing matches your platform before buying (affiliate links).

DeWalt
DeWalt 18V XR 5.0Ah Battery (DCB184)
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DeWalt
DeWalt 18V XR 5.0Ah Battery Twin Pack (DCB184)
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Charger Notes

Battery lists differ by charger: the DCB118 manual says it is “designed to charge DeWALT 20V Max* lithium-ion and FLEXVOLT battery packs”, but the DCB115 manual we checked lists the DCB606 and no larger FLEXVOLT packs. Check the list in your charger’s manual, and use a genuine DeWalt charger.

Sources

Compatible Tools List

The DeWalt 20V MAX system has a large range of compatible tools. All 20V MAX tools use the same DEWALT 20V MAX batteries (DCB201, DCB203, DCB204, DCB205, DCB206 and XR variants). The system also includes ATOMIC (compact) and XR (brushless/high-performance) sub-lines — all sharing the same 20V MAX battery.

Drilling & Driving

ToolModel NumberNotes
1/2″ Drill/DriverDCD7712-speed, 300 UWO
Brushless 1/2″ Hammer Drill (XR)DCD9963-speed, 820 UWO brushless
Brushless 1/2″ Drill/Driver (XR)DCD7912-speed brushless XR
Brushless 1/2″ Drill/Driver (ATOMIC)DCD708Compact ATOMIC brushless
Brushless 1/2″ Hammer Drill (ATOMIC)DCD709ATOMIC compact hammer drill
Impact Driver 1/4″ HexDCF8851,825 in·lbs, 3-speed
Brushless Impact Driver (XR)DCF887Brushless, 3-speed, 1,825 in·lbs
Brushless Impact Driver (ATOMIC)DCF850ATOMIC compact brushless
High-Torque Impact Wrench 1/2″DCF899700 ft·lbs, brushless
Mid-Torque Impact Wrench 1/2″DCF894330 ft·lbs, detent pin
Impact Wrench 3/8″DCF8833/8″ drive, compact
Right Angle Drill 3/8″DCD740Right angle 340 UWO
Drywall ScrewgunDCF6206-1/4″ magazine

Saws

ToolModel NumberNotes
Circular Saw 6-1/2″DCS391Brushed, 5,250 RPM
Brushless Circular Saw 7-1/4″ (XR)DCS570Brushless, 5,800 RPM
Brushless Circular Saw 7-1/4″ (FLEXVOLT Adapter)DCS5757-1/4″ rear handle XR
Circular Saw 6-1/2″ (XR)DCS565XR 6-1/2″ brushless
Reciprocating SawDCS381Brushed, 0–2,900 SPM
Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw (XR)DCS367Compact brushless
Brushless Reciprocating Saw (XR)DCS387Compact pivoting shoe
Jig Saw (Brushed)DCS3310–3,000 SPM, orbital
Brushless Jig Saw (XR)DCS334Brushless, 4 orbital settings
Miter Saw 7-1/4″DCS361Brushless, dual bevel
Miter Saw 12″DCS779Brushless 12″ dual bevel
Table Saw 8-1/4″DCS7485Brushless, 24-1/2″ rip
Band Saw 2-5/8″DCS3735″ cutting capacity
Compact Band SawDCS3714″ cut capacity
Track Saw 6-1/2″DCS520Only with FlexVolt battery for full power

Grinding & Cutting

ToolModel NumberNotes
Angle Grinder 4-1/2″DCG4128,000 RPM
Brushless Angle Grinder 4-1/2″/5″ (XR)DCG413Brushless, 9,000 RPM
Oscillating Multi-ToolDCS355Brushless, StarlockMax
ATOMIC Oscillating Multi-ToolDCS356ATOMIC compact
Die Grinder 1-1/2″DCG4261-1/2″ die grinder

Rotary Hammers

ToolModel NumberNotes
SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer 1″DCH1333-mode, brushed
Brushless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer 1″DCH2733-mode brushless
Brushless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer 1-1/8″DCH293FLEXVOLT Advantage
SDS-Max Rotary Hammer 1-9/16″DCH481Only with FLEXVOLT battery

Nailers & Staplers

ToolModel NumberNotes
Framing Nailer 30° PaperDCN69230° paper collated
Framing Nailer 21° PlasticDCN69321° plastic collated
Finish Nailer 15ga AngledDCN65015ga angled finish nailer
Finish Nailer 16ga AngledDCN66016ga angled finish nailer
Brad Nailer 18gaDCN68018ga brad nails
Pin Nailer 23gaDCN62323ga headless pins

Outdoor Power Equipment

ToolModel NumberNotes
String Trimmer 13″DCST920Brushed 13″ trimmer
Brushless String Trimmer 15″DCST970Brushless 15″ (FLEXVOLT)
Hedge Trimmer 22″DCHT82022″ dual-action blade
Blower 20VDCBL720Brushless, 400 CFM
Chainsaw 12″DCCS62012″ bar and chain
Brushless Chainsaw 16″DCCS67016″ brushless
Lawn Mower 20″DCMW220Brushless 20″ push mower

Finishing

ToolModel NumberNotes
Random Orbit Sander 5″DCW210Brushless, 12,000 OPM

Where to Buy DeWalt Batteries

You can find the full range of DeWalt batteries, tools, and chargers on Amazon UK:

Buy DeWalt 20V MAX Batteries on Amazon

Buy DeWalt 20V MAX Tools on Amazon

Buy DeWalt 20V MAX Chargers on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Are all DeWalt 20V MAX batteries interchangeable?

Yes. Every battery labelled 20V MAX — including standard, XR, POWERSTACK and FLEXVOLT — fits 20V MAX tools, and DeWalt says a FLEXVOLT pack operates as an 18V (20V MAX) battery in an 18V product. In the UK the same range is sold as 18V XR.

What is the difference between 20V MAX and 20V?

DeWalt’s “20V MAX” is the maximum initial battery voltage, measured without a workload; the nominal voltage is 18V, the same nominal figure Makita and Milwaukee use for their 18V packs. Nominal voltage alone does not tell you how two tools compare in power.

How do I choose between DeWalt 20V MAX battery sizes?

Match battery size to tool demand. Compact 1.5–2.0Ah: impact drivers, drills, lights. Mid-range 4.0–5.0Ah: most tools. Large 6.0Ah and up: saws, grinders, outdoor tools. FLEXVOLT: needed only for 60V (UK: 54V) tools, though it also runs 20V MAX tools. POWERSTACK: DeWalt’s premium 20V MAX packs.

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