Milwaukee battery sizes explained: CP, XC, HD, HIGH OUTPUT and FORGE
What the letters and numbers on Milwaukee REDLITHIUM batteries mean, and which size to buy for your tools.
Every Milwaukee REDLITHIUM battery has letters and a number on it, like XC5.0. The number is the capacity in amp-hours (Ah): more amp-hours means longer runtime, but a bigger, heavier pack. The letters tell you the size class.
CP: compact
CP (compact) packs are the smallest and lightest. Great for drills, impact drivers and overhead work where weight matters.
XC: extended capacity
XC packs are the everyday workhorse: more runtime than CP with a moderate size. If you buy one battery, an XC is a safe bet.
HD: high demand
HD packs are the biggest. They're made for saws, grinders, outdoor tools and other tools that draw a lot of power.
HIGH OUTPUT and FORGE
HIGH OUTPUT batteries are built to deliver more power to demanding FUEL tools like big saws, grinders and outdoor equipment. FORGE is Milwaukee's newest REDLITHIUM pack design. Both still fit every tool on their platform (M18 or M12).
Which should you buy?
Drills and drivers: CP or XC. Saws, grinders and impact wrenches: XC or bigger. Outdoor tools and heavy cutting: HD or HIGH OUTPUT. See every size side by side in the battery shop.
Specs quoted are the manufacturer’s figures as listed by tool dealers. Team Red Tools is an independent fan site, not affiliated with Milwaukee Tool.