A cylindrical alkaline storage battery has a conductive cylindrical case whose outside diameter lies in a range from 13.5 mm to 14.5 mm, and an electrode assembly contained, together with an alkaline electrolyte, in the case. The electrode assembly is formed by spirally winding a belt-like negative plate and a belt-like positive plate with a separator intervened therebetween. The negative plate forms the outermost portion of the electrode assembly which contacts the inner wall of the case. The volume energy density of the battery lies in a range from 340 Wh/l to 450 Wh/l. The ratio of the volume of the positive plate to the characteristic volume of the case is in a range from 48% to 60%.