A battery charge indicator (246) is disclosed which accurately displays the true state of charge or energy remaining in an alkaline battery (100). A steel can (243) provides the conductive surface for the cathode. When the battery (100) is sealed at an open end of the steel can (243) with a combination plug and anode, the closed end of the can (243) becomes distorted or bulged due to internal pressures which are caused by both the expansion of the cathode material due to electrical discharge of the battery (100) and hydrogen gas which accumulates during shelf life in storage. The battery charge indicator (246) utilizes the distortion or deflection of the periphery of the end portion of the can (243) to move an indicating element to show the degree of discharge of the battery (100).