DEWALT has released some sweet new batteries over the past few years. They currently run two primary voltage platforms for their large cordless tools: 20-volts and 60-volts.
DEWALT 20V MAX and FlexVolt – What’s the Difference?
For those who haven’t been paying attention, DEWALT revolutionized cordless power tools in 2016 when they released the FlexVolt platform: the first-ever multi-volt battery system. FlexVolt batteries pack 60 volts to power highly demanding tools including DEWALT’s Atomic compact cordless tools, outdoor power equipment, work lights for the job site, saws, and nearly any tool in your trailer. As a bonus, FlexVolt batteries actually step down and run at 20 volts when attached to lower-power tools.
Besides the heavy-hitting FlexVolt, DEWALT is still running strong with their tried and true 20-volt MAX platform. This lithium-ion system of slider batteries is compact, rugged, and made for jobs needing moderate power.
How Do I Know Which Battery I Need?
With all these batteries for you to choose from, it might be a little confusing to know which you need for your tool. Worse yet, you especially don’t want to buy a battery only to find it doesn’t even fit in your tool. Since the two power platforms bear a striking resemblance, be certain you are adding the correct size to your cart before clicking on “Place Order”.
DEWALT has three primary voltages for their cordless tools: 20 volts, 60 volts, and 120 volts. They are all marked with the battery size they require on the tool. 20-volt tools can use 20v MAX batteries OR 60v MAX batteries. 60 and 120-volt tools can only use 60v MAX batteries.
What do FlexVolt Batteries Fit?
FlexVolt batteries are compatible with all DEWALT 60 and 20-volt DEWALT tools. A few exceptions exist that we’ll touch on below.
What Do DEWALT 20-Volt Batteries Fit?
Standard DEWALT 20 volt batteries are compatible with all 20-volt tools, as well as all 20-volt chargers. This means that once you join the DEWALT platform, you have access to over 100 products that all use the same battery technology.
DEWALT 20V MAX batteries can’t be used in FlexVolt 60v and 120v MAX tools, however. The lower voltage doesn’t provide enough juice for the high-demand motors.
DEWALT 20V MAX POWERSTACK batteries are compatible with all 20V MAX tools and chargers, so it can be used with over 250 different DEWALT products.
What if I Put a 20-Volt Battery in a 60-Volt Tool?
It will not fit. There are plastic tabs on all 60 and 120-volt tools that physically prevent using 20-volt batteries. FlexVolt batteries have special ports that allow their use.
What Are DEWALT XR Batteries?
DEWALT 20v MAX XR batteries are just like standard 20-volt batteries, but they last longer relative to their size. The XR stands for Extended Runtime, so you get extra life out of them before running out of juice.
What are DEWALT POWERSTACK Batteries?
DEWALT POWERSTACK batteries utilize breakthrough pouch battery cell technology, allowing the battery to run cooler and provide greater power delivery. The POWERSTACK line is DEWALT’s most powerful, most compact, and lightest weight battery options.
DEWALT currently has two options in their POWERSTACK lineup. The
POWERSTACK 20V MAX Compact battery has 50% more power with a 25% smaller footprint compared to the DCB203, the standard 20V MAX battery. The battery also features twice the lifespan of the DCB203 and an LED Fuel Gauge to monitor current battery life.
The second is the brand new POWERSTACK 20V MAX 5Ah battery. The new compact battery has 50% more power and allows 50% more work done per charge compared to the DCB205, the standard 20V MAX 5.0 Ah battery, making it DEWALT’s most powerful and most efficient battery in its class. The latest model is compatible with all DEWALT 20V MAX* tools.
Do These Batteries Work In Brushless Tools?
Yes, DEWALT batteries will work in all DEWALT tools of the correct voltage whether the tool is brushed or brushless. Brushless refers to the construction of the motor. Brushless tools will use the batteries more efficiently and therefore last longer per charger, however, than brushed tools.
What About DEWALT 12-Volt Tools?
DEWALT also produces a line of ultra-compact 12v MAX batteries and tools. These smaller batteries only fit on tools labeled as 12v MAX, and vice versa. 20v MAX and Flexvolt batteries are not only too powerful, but they are physically too large for the receptacles on these pint-sized devices.
Do 120v MAX Tools Have Their Own Batteries Too?
No. At the time of this writing, there is only one DEWALT cordless tool that uses 120 volts: the 12-Inch Cordless Miter Saw. While it harnesses 120v DC power, it achieves this by having two slots for 60v batteries running in series. As a substitute, DEWALT created an adaptor for the miter saw to swap out batteries for wall power since they have the same voltage.
Are There Exceptions To These Rules?
Yes. While most DEWALT batteries fit on all tools they are marked as compatible with, there are a few that don’t. Due to their size, FlexVolt packs don’t fit all smaller tools and adaptors. A few newer compact 20v MAX packs are slightly longer than others, and so also don’t fit all tools or chargers.
A Visual Representation
228 Comments
Joe
December 23, 2018 at 4:29 pmIf I use a 60 volt battery on usb charger does it last longer than the 20 volt
Acme Tools
December 26, 2018 at 8:06 amHi Joe, Thank you for your question. When you use a DeWalt FLEXVOLT battery the tool, or in this case the USB Power Pack, will determine if the battery will be ran in the 60V or 20V connection orientation. At this time DeWalt only offers a 20V USB Power Pack so the determining factor as to what battery will run longer on the power pack will be the Amp Hour rating of your battery. The battery with the higher 20V Amp Hour (Ah) rating will last longer in that specific unit.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Eric
May 13, 2020 at 5:23 pmQuestion does the 20 volt max batteries work on the dewalt dcd777 20v max brushless cordless compact drill/driver
Acme Tools
May 14, 2020 at 9:14 amHi Eric, The DEWALT 20V MAX batteries to fit into the DEWALT DCD777 series 20V MAX compact drill/driver. There are some other brands that have 20V MAX batteries (Craftsman, Black & Decker, for example) that do not fit but as long as the battery is a 20V DEWALT battery it will fit into that tool.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Stephanie
November 30, 2020 at 7:22 amI need a replacement battery for a dcb207 battery. What battery is compatible to this one?
Acme Tools
November 30, 2020 at 7:29 amHi Stephanie, Thank you for your question. Any DEWALT 20V Max Battery will work for you but the battery closest to the DCB207 is the DCB203. The supplied links will take you to our website where you can see all DEWALT 20V batteries or just the DCB203.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Daniel Z Garcia
November 29, 2022 at 6:48 pmCurious if my 3amp battery pack charger will charge my 2amp battery pack & visa-versa?
And can my 2amp battery pack be used in my 3amp tool & visa-versa?
Acme Tools
November 30, 2022 at 8:34 amHello Daniel. We would need a little more information from you to be sure we are giving the correct information, but as long as the brand of the batteries and charger match and the charger output voltage matches the battery voltage, you should be fine. The amp hours of chargers and batteries don’t matter much when we talk about if they will work. They do depend on how fast the battery will be charged.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Valerie
October 5, 2020 at 12:49 amCan I charge a dcb 201 battery on a dcb 101 battery charger?
Acme Tools
October 5, 2020 at 7:58 amHi Valerie, You can charge a DCB201 20V MAX Battery on the DCB101 charger. The DCB101 charger works on both the 12V MAX and 20V MAX batteries.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Eric
December 1, 2020 at 8:42 amCan a 20v adapter work with a 12v drill?
Acme Tools
December 2, 2020 at 8:46 amHi Eric, At this time there is not a way to adapt the 20V batteries to work on the 12V platform.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Bob
August 10, 2021 at 3:34 pmIs there an adapter that would let me use the 20v batteries in my 60v tool if I just need a little more juice to finish a job?
Pete Edwards
October 12, 2020 at 8:10 amI’m UK based and the voltages seen a little different; my impact driver is 18V for example, while the local shops sell 54V tools and batteries. I’m guessing this is pretty much equivalent, with the numbers that are close together matching those in your post?
Acme Tools
October 12, 2020 at 8:14 amHi Pete, You are correct, in the United States DEWALT is able to advertise their tools at the maximum voltage the battery will put out for a fraction of a second when the tool trigger is pulled. This is why they are described as 20V MAX*. The MAX* is more of a disclaimer than anything else. The battery voltages are nominal 18V and 54V. The rest of the world makes DEWALT note the battery voltage for what it is.
Thank you,
Acme Tools.
Harold Scheffler
March 28, 2022 at 4:58 pmI need to buy a couple of 20 volt batteries. Which is the better deal, for price, power, longevity of power output, and life of battery: 20V MAX XR 6AH battery or the 20-60V FLEX POWER 6AH battery? Thanks, Harold
Acme Tools
March 29, 2022 at 8:09 amHello, Thank you for your question. If you have FLEXVOLT 60V tools then we would suggest getting the FLEXVOLT 6Ah battery but if you do not and do not intend to purchase any DEWALT 60V tools then the 20V MAX XR 6.0Ah battery would be your best bet. The runtime and power will be very comparable but the 20V battery will be less expensive. If you are looking to purchase a couple of them at the same time we do offer a 2 pack of batteries and at the time of this reply the 2 pack (DCB206-2) is only $20 more expensive than the single battery.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Phillip
January 28, 2019 at 7:33 amIt depends on the amp hr rating on the 20 volt battery your using. I have read that the 6 amp hr 20 volt battery has a longer run time than the 60volt flexvolt 6 amp hr battery when used in a 20 volt platform. But if you have a 60 volt 9amp hr or 12 amp hr . They will run longer than and battery you can get in the 20 volt Max line .
Michael Dale Green
May 25, 2020 at 3:17 pmIs it possible to use the 60v on the 20v weedeater?
Acme Tools
May 26, 2020 at 8:30 amHello, You can use the 60V DEWALT batteries on all 20V DEWALT tools. The batteries can be used in all 120VDC, 60V, and 20V DEWALT tools.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Michael Rivenbark
June 2, 2021 at 9:52 pmI have 20v DeWalt skilsaw and drill for longer runtime would 60v be better than 20v
David Friedrich
January 12, 2023 at 6:49 pmI have a DCCS620 Chainsaw that was working great until my friend put a 60volt dewalt battery in it.this saw is a little over 1 year old. Could using that 60 volt battery in my 20 volt DCCS620 be the cause of my saw not working?
Acme Tools
January 13, 2023 at 8:29 amHi David. The DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V batteries are designed to fit and run their 20V tools. The battery could have something to do with the saw not working, but most likely, it is something else. If the tool is only 1 year old, we suggest bringing it to a Factory DEWALT Service Center or Authorized DEWALT Repair Center for warranty evaluation.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Farley Redfield
July 11, 2020 at 4:34 pmBut I cant use it in my old 18 volt. I’m supposing this cause it’s not mentioned and I guess I’m the dinosaur I. The parking lot a g a I n.
Mongo
November 15, 2020 at 3:07 pmThey have a 20v to 18v adapter, the DCS1820.
Bill Davis
July 12, 2020 at 11:58 amI have two 20 Volt chargers and neither one work, less than two years old! Bill
Jay
January 9, 2019 at 7:06 pmWill the 60 volt flex dewalt battery compatible with the 36 volt tools
Acme Tools
January 10, 2019 at 7:50 amHello, Thank you for your question. The DeWalt 60V FLEXVOLT battery is not compatible with the DeWalt 36V Tools, however, they will work with the DeWalt 20V MAX Tools.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Mani
May 9, 2019 at 12:53 pmThere’s a way you can use the 20v battery on a flexvolt tool, by breaking off the tabs. My question is, if I use a 20v battery on a flexvolt tool, will either the battery or tool be damaged. Thx.
Acme Tools
May 9, 2019 at 3:54 pmHello, We do not recommend breaking the tabs off of the DeWalt 20V battery to try to operate a 60V tool. Just because you can break something to make it fit does not mean you should.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Roy Leroy Collins
September 17, 2020 at 4:53 pmCan you run a 20v flex tool with a regular 20v battery
Acme Tools
September 18, 2020 at 7:58 amHi Roy, Thank you for your question. You can run a 20V Flexvolt tool with a standard or XR 20V Battery. The main issue is that the voltage of the tool and the voltage of the battery are the same.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Jeff
April 25, 2019 at 5:42 pmLooking to buy the Dewalt 20v chainsaw. I’m wondering what the biggest battery that will fit it? I have a 6ah flex volt in mind but i’d Like to have some reassurance there is no issues with a larger battery. Thanks
Acme Tools
April 26, 2019 at 8:18 amHi Jay, thank you for your question. At this time the largest battery we have tested in the DCCS620 Chainsaw is the 9.0Ah Flexvolt battery and it does fit. We have not tried the 12.0 battery yet and are planning on doing so soon. Once we do we will hopefully remember to update your question.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Phil
January 10, 2019 at 5:29 pmCan I use the 20V (non-XR) battery from my drill on the 20V XR hammer drill without it damaging it?
Acme Tools
January 11, 2019 at 8:07 amHi Phil, Thank you for your question. You can use the DeWalt 20V MAX non-XR battery on your 20V XR Hammer Drill, in fact, you can use any DeWalt 20V battery in any DeWalt 20V tool.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Goya
June 24, 2019 at 1:36 amYou mentioned that we can use any 20 V DeWalt battery in any 20 V DeWalt tool. I have a DCGG571B grease and a quarter inch brushless impact driver. The four amp battery adds lot of weight. Will I simply have less run time but the same power in these tools if I use a 1.5 or two amp hour Battery?
Acme Tools
June 24, 2019 at 8:06 amHello, Thank you for your question. The run time will be less on a 1.5 or 2Ah battery in comparison to a 4.0Ah battery but you may also lose a little power. It is hard to say how much but the higher Ah batteries typically boost the performance of the tools.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Glen Hull
May 31, 2020 at 12:18 amThe statement made that all batteries are compatible with dewalt tools is B.S.and that statement should be removed because it is not true
Danny
August 31, 2020 at 4:28 pmwill my dcb 106 charger work for my dcb 204 battery.? Thank you
Brian
January 22, 2019 at 4:32 pmCan I charge 20v xr batteries on a regular 20v charger?
Acme Tools
January 23, 2019 at 7:55 amHi Brian, Thank you for your question. You can charge a DeWalt 20V MAX XR Battery on any DeWalt 20V MAX Charger. Depending on the charger you use it might take longer on one than another.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Chris paul
March 31, 2019 at 3:46 pmMy question similar to Brian. I have dewalt standard 20v and 20v max xr. Both of these batteries came with there on chargers. I recently purchased online the flex volt lithium ion 20v/60v max. I notice one of those flex volt battery is not charging as well on my standard dewalt chargers. Do I need special charger for these batteries? Or I maybe have a defective battery? Thankyou
Acme Tools
March 31, 2019 at 5:04 pmHi Chris, Thank you for your question. The DeWalt 20V/60V FLEXVOLT batteries will charge on all DeWalt 20V chargers, there is not a specific charger for the FLEXVOLT batteries. It will seem that they are not charging as well because they have higher amp hour ratings than most standard 20V batteries and they just take longer to charge. If we think of amp hours like a fuel tank on a vehicle, the higher the amp hour the larger the tank. We get more run time but it takes longer to fill/charge.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
John
May 17, 2020 at 8:41 pmSo will an actual dewalt flexvolt charger charge the 20/60v battery faster than if on a regular dewalt 20v charger?
Acme Tools
May 18, 2020 at 9:01 amHi John, Thank you for your comment. The DEWALT FLEXVOLT batteries charge in the 20V MAX arrangement so the charging time will depend on the charger. The other thing to consider is the Amp Hour of the battery. A FLEXVOLT battery is usually larger (higher Amp Hour) than a regular DEWALT battery so it will take longer. If the Amp Hour rating of the batteries are the same, it will be up to the quality and technology in the charger to speed up the charging process.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
List
January 24, 2019 at 5:23 pmHello and thanks for the very helpful article. Are the 60V/20V FlexVolt Batteries compatible with the Dewalt DCS331B 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Jigsaw? I understand that the voltage is compatible, but you say in the article that SOME cordless 20V MAX tools will not allow the FlexVolt Batteries to fit in them. You do not mention the DCS331B jigsaw, so it seems the FlexVolt 60V/20V batteries WILL WORK in that tool. Is that right? Thanks very much.
Acme Tools
January 25, 2019 at 8:11 amHello, Thank you for your question. The DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V/20V batteries will work with the DCS331B Jigsaw. The compatibility issue comes into play when the battery is physically too large to fit into the tool. Some older lights and lasers have a compartment for the battery and because of the larger size of the FLEXVOLT batteries they do not fit.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Kyle
February 3, 2019 at 7:12 amI was told not to use the 20v/60v flex volt battery on any tool that is not brushless or else it will burn the tool up. Is it true that those batteries only should be used on brushless tools?
Acme Tools
February 4, 2019 at 7:38 amHi Kyle, Thank you for your question. The DeWalt 20V/60V FLEXVOLT batteries can be used in any DeWalt 20V or 60V Tool no matter if it is brushless or not.
Thank you,
Acme Tools
Karl Green
February 19, 2019 at 1:48 pmI have a Dewalt DCD777C2 Drill an a DCF880 Impact Wrench the y came with the 20 volt battery 1h. was wondering what size 4h or 5h I can use with these tools. thank u