Test with a multimeter

9 V battery

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Now: No-load voltage

R CircuVanta 6000 counts · auto range DCAUTO•)))HOLDFUSE− HOLD LIGHT OFFV⎓V~Ω•)))FmA⎓ mA400 mACOMVΩ Plus (+) 1 + Minus (−) 2 −
Pin 1: Plus (+) (+) Pin 2: Minus (−) (−)

Red probe Not connectedBlack probe Not connected

Hold the probe and drag it to the tip of a leg. Tapping works too: first pick the probe, then the leg.

Set the range to DC voltage.

Measure step by step

A fresh 6LR61 alkaline battery gives about 9.5 V with no load. Measure the voltage on the V⎓ range: red probe to plus (+), black probe to minus (−). An unloaded reading can mislead: a weak battery reads fine with no load and bad under load. The “Connect load” button loads the battery with a small resistor.

Do not measure the battery terminals on the Ω or continuity range, and do not short-circuit them with a metal object.

  1. 1No-load voltage
  2. 2Voltage under load