The term ‘group 24’ refers to the BCI size categorization of the battery’s exterior dimensions. It does not define the exact cell type, application, or capacity.
That being said, most of these batteries share very similar characteristics and uses which we will discuss below. Plus you can find comparisons with equivalent replacement choices.
⚡Group 24 Key Facts⚡
- Length: 10 1/4 inch
- Width: 6 13/16 inch
- Height: 8 7/8 inch
- Weight: 40 lbs
- 70 – 85Ah
- 600 – 800 CCA
- WET, AGM, GEL, Lithium
- Deep cycle and marine use
What is a Group 24 Battery?
Group 24 are usually deep cycle or marine batteries. They are used for emergency power backups, UPS, wheelchairs, trolling motors, small campervans, RVs, and boats.
You will rarely find many group 24 starting batteries for cars, but they do exist for certain vehicles.
These are very common batteries that are easy to find. Thanks to their reliability and size you will find they are useful for general purpose, especially in smaller applications and mobile power sources.
BCI Group 24 Dimensions, and Weight
Standard group 24 battery dimensions are:
- Length: 10 1/4 inch (260mm)
- Width: 6 13/16 inch (173mm)
- Height: 8 7/8 inch (225mm)
You’ll find a selection of different types of group 24 batteries. Most have identical exterior dimensions but you should double check the specs.
Group Number | L (inch) | W (inch) | H (inch) | L (mm) | W (mm) | H (mm) |
24 | 10 1/4 | 6 13/16 | 8 7/8 | 260 | 173 | 225 |
24F | 10 3/4 | 6 13/16 | 9 | 273 | 173 | 229 |
24H | 10 1/4 | 6 13/16 | 9 3/8 | 260 | 173 | 238 |
24R | 10 1/4 | 6 13/16 | 9 | 260 | 173 | 229 |
24T | 10 1/4 | 6 13/16 | 9 3/4 | 260 | 173 | 248 |
The main difference is that 24F batteries are longer, and F, H, and T are taller. You should double check your battery compartment can accommodate the replacement.
The weight of a group 24 battery varies depending on the application and internal cell type. On average they weigh 40lbs (18 kg).
Application and Cell Type
Group 24 batteries are usually designed for deep cycle or marine application.
If it is a deep cycle, this means you can draw a low current for a long period of time. While a marine battery is a hybrid that can be used to start your engine and draw energy for long periods of time.
You might find a small selection of group 24 starting batteries. These are only built to deliver a large current for a few seconds to start a car engine.
The internal cells will be either flooded WET or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat). You can find GEL cell options but these are becoming hard to find as the technology has become unpopular.
If you’re looking for lithium group 24 then you should understand that BCI sizing only refers to lead acid batteries. Although lithium battery manufacturers try to build products to the same specification. So you can buy lithium replacements by checking the product dimensions.
Pros and Cons of Group 24 Batteries
Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of these batteries.
Pros:
- Mid-size makes them suitable for general purpose and a wide range of applications.
- Useful for lightweight mobile power sources like wheelchairs and trolling motors.
- Not too expensive, under $100.
- Very common and easy to replace.
- Multiple post configuration options
Cons:
- Maximum of 80Ah – 90Ah total capacity. (100Ah in lithium)
- Lower runtime
- Very few starting batteries (Annoying if your car requires this size)
Group 24 vs Group 27 Batteries
The main difference between group 24 and group 27 is the length. A group 27 battery is much longer by 2 inches (50mm).
A group 24 battery is about 10 inches long, while a group 27 is 12 inches long. The rest of the dimensions (height and width) are very similar.
This extra size increases the weight and maximum capacity of group 27. Group 27 usually has a maximum capacity of 100Ah while group 24 has a maximum capacity of 80Ah.
As for the cells and application of the two batteries, this remains the same. You’ll usually find them in lead acid flooded WET or AGM. Plus lithium options are available with the same dimensions.
The other difference is that group 27 are more commonly found in a wider range of uses including cars, small commercial vehicles/trucks, marine and deep cycle.
Group 24 vs Group 35 Batteries
Group 35 batteries are very similar to group 24. This means they are often used interchangeably.
The biggest similarity between the two is the size. They share virtually the same dimensions. Group 35 is a little shorter at 9.6 inches long, compared to group 24 at just over 10 inches long. Most of the time this won’t create an issue, but you should double check the length of your battery compartment.
The internal cell chemistry is also the same, most commonly this is flooded WET or AGM. Plus an increasing amount of lithium options are available too.
You might have guessed it already, but you can use the two battery types for the same applications like deep cycling in light motorization, UPS, or marine use in boats.
FAQ
You will find group 24 batteries in old American made car cars, plus some Hondas. You can also use group 27 and 35 batteries in these vehicles as the dimensions are virtually identical. If you’re replacing a car battery, ensure you are using a group 24 starting battery not a deep cycle or marine.
These are mid-sized batteries which have capacities up to 80Ah – 90Ah. The total amp hours is limited due to the dimensions. Although, modern lithium equivalents can reach 100Ah and are much lighter.
24F (also called 24R) refers to the position of the positive terminal. The terminal position is on the right rather than the left.
This should not be a problem as they are the same dimensions. The positive and negative terminals will be in the opposite position when you hook it up to your car. Of course, each car is slightly different so double check with your garage before buying.
Summary
I hope this page answers your questions about group 24 battery dimensions, uses, and comparisons.
As you have discovered, they are a general purpose battery used for light motorized vehicles, power backup systems, and boats. Plus some older cars use them for starting.
If you’re looking to replace your current equipment then you will be able to choose from flooded WET cell and AGM options, plus group 27 and 35 work as equivalents with similar dimensions.