LM358 vs LM324: What Is the Difference Between Dual and Quad Op Amps?

ElecSuppliers Part Number ComparisonSep 27, 2026

The LM358 and LM324 are widely used general-purpose operational amplifiers in power supplies, sensor circuits, industrial controls, consumer electronics, and analog signal-processing applications.

They have similar basic operating characteristics, but they are designed for different channel counts.

The LM358 contains two operational amplifiers in one package. The LM324 contains four operational amplifiers in one package. This difference affects PCB space, package size, pinout, component count, and circuit layout.

LM358 vs LM324: Key Differences

The LM358 is a dual operational amplifier. It provides two independent op amp channels in one IC package.

The LM324 is a quad operational amplifier. It provides four independent op amp channels in one IC package.

The LM358 is commonly available in compact 8-pin packages, while the LM324 is commonly available in 14-pin packages.

The LM358 is usually preferred when a circuit needs one or two analog functions. The LM324 is usually preferred when a circuit needs three or four analog functions.

Neither part is a direct pin-for-pin replacement for the other because their package size, pin count, and pinout are different.

What Is the LM358?

The LM358 is a dual operational amplifier that contains two independent amplifier channels.

It is commonly used for sensor-signal conditioning, voltage comparison, battery monitoring, current sensing, low-frequency amplification, and simple analog-control circuits.

Because it includes only two channels, the LM358 is suitable for compact circuit boards that need one or two op amps.

A typical LM358 application may use one channel to amplify a sensor signal and the other channel as a voltage comparator.

What Is the LM324?

The LM324 is a quad operational amplifier that contains four independent amplifier channels.

It is commonly used in multi-channel sensor boards, motor-control circuits, power-management systems, analog filters, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics.

When a product needs several analog functions, the LM324 can reduce the number of separate ICs on the PCB.

For example, one LM324 can be used for multiple sensor amplifiers, voltage-monitoring circuits, comparators, or control loops.

Channel Count and PCB Design

Channel count is the main reason to choose between the LM358 and LM324.

If a circuit needs only one or two op amps, the LM358 is often the more practical choice. It uses a smaller package and avoids leaving too many channels unused.

If a circuit needs three or four op amps, the LM324 can save PCB space and reduce component count compared with using two LM358 devices.

However, designers should not choose an LM324 only because it has more channels. Unused op amp inputs must still be handled correctly according to the manufacturer’s datasheet.

Package and Pinout Differences

The LM358 and LM324 are not pin-compatible.

The LM358 is commonly supplied in 8-pin DIP, SOIC, and other compact packages. The LM324 is commonly supplied in 14-pin DIP, SOIC, TSSOP, and similar packages.

Their supply pins, input pins, and output pins are arranged differently.

This means an LM324 cannot replace an LM358 directly on the same PCB. An LM358 also cannot directly replace an LM324.

Before purchasing a substitute, check the exact package, pinout, operating-voltage range, temperature grade, and manufacturer suffix.

Power-Supply Characteristics

Both the LM358 and LM324 are commonly used in single-supply circuits. They can also operate from split power supplies when used within the ratings of the selected device.

One useful feature of both families is that their input common-mode range includes the negative supply rail. In a single-supply circuit, this often allows the input to sense signals close to ground.

However, standard LM358 and LM324 devices are generally not rail-to-rail op amps. Their input and output ranges do not normally extend fully to the positive supply rail.

For applications that need input or output signals very close to both supply rails, a rail-to-rail operational amplifier may be a better option.

Speed and Performance

The LM358 and LM324 are designed for low- to medium-speed analog circuits.

They are suitable for DC amplification, low-frequency active filters, sensor interfaces, voltage monitoring, and basic comparator functions.

They are usually not the best choice for high-speed signal processing, high-precision measurement, low-noise audio circuits, or RF applications.

For demanding designs, compare gain-bandwidth product, slew rate, input offset voltage, input bias current, output drive, noise, and temperature range before choosing a part.

Can LM358 Replace LM324?

The LM358 cannot directly replace the LM324 because it has only two amplifier channels and a different package and pinout.

An LM358 may be used in a redesigned circuit if only one or two LM324 channels are needed. However, the schematic and PCB layout must be changed.

Similarly, an LM324 may replace two LM358 devices in a redesigned board when four amplifier channels are required. This can reduce component count, but it is not a direct replacement.

How to Choose Between LM358 and LM324

Choose the LM358 when the design needs one or two op amps, requires a smaller package, or has limited PCB space.

Choose the LM324 when the design needs three or four op amps and reducing the number of IC packages is important.

In both cases, review the complete datasheet before sourcing. Different brands and suffixes may have different temperature ratings, offset-voltage limits, package options, and electrical performance.

Conclusion

The LM358 and LM324 are similar general-purpose operational amplifier families, but they are designed for different channel counts.

The LM358 provides two op amps in one package. The LM324 provides four op amps in one package.

The right choice depends on the number of analog channels required, PCB layout, package size, operating conditions, and the exact specifications of the selected manufacturer part number.