Have you ever wondered about the difference between 10.8V and 12V Max* batteries? You're not alone! It's a question we hear a lot, and we're here to clear up the confusion.

What's the Deal with the Numbers?

You might think that a 12V Max* battery must be way more powerful than a 10.8V battery, right? Well, not exactly. Here’s the scoop:

• 10.8V : This number represents the nominal voltage, which is the average voltage of the battery when it’s in use.
• 12V Max* : This is the maximum voltage the battery can reach when it’s fully charged.

In reality, both 10.8V and 12V Max* batteries have the same nominal voltage. The 12V Max* is just a way of highlighting the battery’s peak performance when it’s fresh off the charger.

Why the Different Labels?

The change from 10.8V to 12V Max was primarily a marketing decision from DEWALT. The 12V Max label is used to emphasize the maximum potential voltage of the battery when fully charged, which sounds more powerful to consumers.

Compatibility and Performance

Here’s the good news: if you’ve got DEWALT 10.8V tools , they’ll work just fine with 12V Max* batteries, and vice versa. They are interchangeable. So, no need to worry about finding special chargers or tools — they’re all compatible!

Let’s break it down even further:

• Performance: You won’t notice any difference in power or runtime between 10.8V and 12V Max* batteries. They both pack the same punch.
• Tool Compatibility: DEWALT tools and chargers designed for one will work with the other.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re in the tool aisle or shopping online, remember that DEWALT 10.8V and DEWALT 12V Max* batteries are essentially two sides of the same coin. It’s all about how the numbers are presented.

Got more questions about DEWALT tools or batteries? Drop us an email or give us a call.