CR batteries are essential power sources for countless electronic devices we rely on daily – from watches and medical equipment to key fobs and IoT sensors. These lithium coin cells deliver 3.0V of consistent power in compact, reliable packages, making them crucial components in modern electronics.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed specifications, real-world applications, and expert selection criteria for all common CR battery sizes (CR2032, CR2025, CR2016, etc.). Whether you’re replacing a battery in a personal device or making procurement decisions for business applications, this resource offers the technical data and practical insights needed to select the optimal CR battery for any requirement.
What is a CR Battery?
A CR battery is a small, coin-shaped lithium battery primarily used in compact electronic devices. The “CR” designation has specific meaning in the battery naming convention: “C” represents lithium chemistry, while “R” indicates the round shape of these batteries. These batteries are valued for their reliability, compact design, and ability to deliver consistent power in tight spaces.
CR batteries utilize lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO₂) chemistry, which offers several advantages over other battery types. This chemistry provides:
- High energy density in a compact form
- Nominal voltage of 3.0 volts (consistent across sizes)
- Excellent performance across wide temperature ranges
- Long shelf life (typically 5-10 years)
- Stable discharge characteristics
CR batteries have become ubiquitous in modern electronics due to their combination of high voltage, reliability, and compact size. You can find them powering everything from wearable fitness trackers and medical devices to computer motherboards and automotive systems.
CR Battery Naming Convention
Understanding the CR battery naming system helps you identify the right battery for your device. The standard format follows this pattern:
CR#### (and sometimes a letter suffix)
Breaking down this format:
- C: Represents lithium chemistry
- R: Indicates round shape
- First two digits: Battery diameter in millimeters
- Last two digits: Battery height in tenths of a millimeter
- Optional letter suffix: Indicates special properties (like high-temperature resistance)
For example, a CR2032 battery has a diameter of 20mm and a height of 3.2mm. Similarly, a CR1616 measures 16mm in diameter with a 1.6mm height.
Some manufacturers may add suffix letters for specialized versions, such as CR2032A for high-temperature applications.
CR Battery Sizes and Specifications
CR batteries come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different device requirements. The physical dimensions directly impact capacity, runtime, and device compatibility. The following table provides a comprehensive reference of common CR battery sizes and their specifications:
| Battery Size | Diameter | Height | Capacity (mAh) | Common Applications | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR1025 | 10.0 mm | 2.5 mm | 35-45 mAh | Key fobs, small devices | 3.0V |
| CR1216 | 12.5 mm | 1.6 mm | 25-30 mAh | Watches, medical devices | 3.0V |
| CR1220 | 12.5 mm | 2.0 mm | 36 mAh | Watches, small electronics | 3.0V |
| CR1616 | 16.0 mm | 1.6 mm | 55 mAh | Calculators, small devices | 3.0V |
| CR1620 | 16.0 mm | 2.0 mm | 80 mAh | Watches, medical devices | 3.0V |
| CR1632 | 16.0 mm | 3.2 mm | 130-140 mAh | Calculators, toys | 3.0V |
| CR2016 | 20.0 mm | 1.6 mm | 90 mAh | Car remotes, small electronics | 3.0V |
| CR2025 | 20.0 mm | 2.5 mm | 150-170 mAh | Car remotes, LED lights | 3.0V |
| CR2032 | 20.0 mm | 3.2 mm | 220-240 mAh | Computer motherboards, fitness trackers | 3.0V |
| CR2450 | 24.5 mm | 5.0 mm | 500+ mAh | Fitness trackers, remote controls | 3.0V |
Data compiled from multiple manufacturer specifications
These specifications highlight the direct relationship between physical size and capacity—larger batteries contain more active materials, providing longer operational life. When selecting a replacement battery for your device, always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure optimal performance.
How CR Battery Size Affects Performance
The physical dimensions of CR batteries directly influence their performance characteristics, impacting everything from runtime to device compatibility. Understanding these relationships helps you make informed decisions when selecting batteries for your devices.
Capacity and Longevity
A CR battery’s capacity—measured in milliampere-hours (mAh)—is primarily determined by its physical size. Larger CR batteries contain more active materials and therefore store more energy, allowing them to power devices for longer periods. For example:
- A CR2032 battery typically offers 220-240 mAh of capacity
- A CR2016 battery, while having the same diameter but less height, provides only about 90 mAh
- A CR2450, the largest common CR battery, delivers approximately 500 mAh
This capacity difference directly translates to operational longevity. In identical devices with similar power requirements, a CR2032 will typically last more than twice as long as a CR2016, making it preferable for devices that see frequent use or those where battery replacement is inconvenient.
At VADE Battery, we’ve found that higher-capacity batteries are particularly valuable in critical applications like medical devices or security systems, where unexpected power failure could have serious consequences.
Voltage Consistency Across Sizes
Despite their physical size differences, all standard CR batteries maintain a consistent nominal voltage of 3.0 volts. This voltage uniformity is beneficial for several reasons:
- It allows some degree of interchangeability between different CR battery sizes
- It provides device manufacturers with a standardized power input
- It delivers optimal performance for semiconductor components designed for 3V operation
However, while the voltage remains consistent, the discharge curve—how the voltage changes over time as the battery depletes—can vary between sizes. Larger batteries typically maintain their voltage more consistently throughout their lifespan before dropping off, while smaller batteries may show more pronounced voltage decline as they approach depletion.
Comparing Popular CR Batteries
Among the many CR battery sizes available, certain comparisons are particularly relevant for consumers making replacement decisions. Understanding the key differences helps ensure optimal device performance and battery life.
CR2032 vs CR2025
The CR2032 and CR2025 are among the most common CR batteries, sharing the same 20mm diameter but differing in height (3.2mm vs 2.5mm). This difference significantly impacts their capabilities:
- Capacity: CR2032 offers 220-240 mAh compared to CR2025’s 150-170 mAh
- Physical fit: The thicker CR2032 may not fit in devices designed specifically for CR2025
- Runtime: CR2032 typically provides 30-40% longer operational life in identical devices
While some devices can accommodate either battery type, others have precisely engineered battery compartments that require the exact specified size. Always check your device’s specifications before substituting one for the other.
CR2016 vs CR2032
The comparison between CR2016 and CR2032 presents an even more dramatic difference in capabilities:
- Capacity: CR2032 (220-240 mAh) has approximately 2.5 times the capacity of CR2016 (90 mAh)
- Applications: CR2032 is preferred for higher-drain devices like fitness trackers, while CR2016 is common in low-drain applications like watches
- Physical dimensions: Both share the same 20mm diameter, but CR2032 (3.2mm) is twice as thick as CR2016 (1.6mm)
Device manufacturers carefully select battery sizes based on power requirements and available space. While a CR2016 may physically fit in a device designed for CR2032, it will provide significantly reduced runtime.
Applications of CR Batteries
CR batteries power an astonishing variety of devices across numerous industries. Their compact size, reliable performance, and long shelf life make them ideal for applications where space is limited and dependable power is essential.
Consumer Electronics
In the consumer electronics sector, CR batteries are ubiquitous:
- Watches and clocks: Smaller CR batteries like CR1216 and CR1220 power countless timepieces
- Remote controls: CR2016, CR2025, and CR2032 batteries are commonly found in TV, garage door, and car key remotes
- Calculators: Various sizes from CR1616 to CR2032 depending on the calculator’s size and power needs
- Digital thermometers: Often use CR1632 or CR2032 batteries
- LED lights: Small LED products frequently use CR2025 or CR2032 batteries
These applications benefit from CR batteries’ combination of small size and reliable performance. For devices that see frequent use, higher-capacity options like CR2032 provide extended operation between battery changes.
Medical Devices
The medical field relies heavily on CR batteries for various portable and implantable devices:
- Glucose meters: Typically powered by CR2032 batteries
- Hearing aids: Often use smaller CR batteries like CR1025 or specialized hearing aid batteries
- Thermometers: Medical-grade thermometers commonly use CR1632 or CR2032
- Portable monitoring equipment: Various CR sizes depending on power requirements
In medical applications, reliability is paramount. Healthcare professionals and patients at VADE Battery consistently choose high-quality CR batteries from reputable manufacturers to ensure dependable operation of critical medical devices.
Automotive Applications
Modern vehicles incorporate numerous electronic systems powered by CR batteries:
- Key fobs and remote entry systems: Typically use CR2025 or CR2032 batteries
- Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS): Often utilize specialized high-temperature CR batteries like CR2032A
- Onboard diagnostics and memory backup: Various CR sizes depending on the vehicle make and model
The automotive environment presents unique challenges, including temperature extremes and vibration. Specialized high-temperature CR batteries are designed specifically for these demanding conditions, offering enhanced performance and reliability.
How to Choose the Right CR Battery
Selecting the appropriate CR battery involves considering several factors to ensure optimal performance and device compatibility.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a CR battery, evaluate these key factors:
- Device specifications: Always check your device’s manual for the recommended battery size and type
- Physical dimensions: Ensure the battery’s diameter and height will fit properly in your device
- Capacity requirements: For high-drain devices or those where frequent replacement is inconvenient, opt for higher-capacity options
- Environmental conditions: Consider temperature extremes and other environmental factors that might affect battery performance
- Brand quality: Choose batteries from reputable manufacturers to ensure reliability and safety
At VADE Battery, we recommend checking both the physical dimensions and the capacity rating when selecting a replacement battery. While two batteries may share the same form factor, differences in manufacturing quality and actual capacity can significantly impact performance.
Device Compatibility
Different devices have specific battery requirements based on their design and power needs:
- Watches and small devices: Typically use lower-profile batteries like CR1216, CR1220, or CR1616
- Remote controls and key fobs: Usually accommodate CR2016, CR2025, or CR2032
- Medical devices: Often designed for specific battery sizes based on their power requirements
- IoT sensors and smart devices: Generally use higher-capacity options like CR2032 or CR2450 for extended operation
When a device specifies a particular battery size, substituting a different size—even one with the same voltage—may cause issues. Thinner batteries might not make proper contact, while thicker batteries might not fit or could damage the battery compartment.
CR Battery Maintenance and Safety
Proper handling, storage, and disposal of CR batteries ensure maximum performance and minimize environmental impact and safety risks.
Proper Storage
To maximize the shelf life and performance of your CR batteries:
- Temperature control: Store batteries at room temperature (around 20°C/68°F)
- Moisture protection: Keep batteries in their original packaging or a dry container
- Organization: Store different sizes separately to avoid confusion
- Contact prevention: Ensure batteries don’t touch metal objects or each other, which could cause short circuits
CR batteries can retain up to 90% of their capacity after 5-10 years when stored properly. Extreme temperatures, particularly heat, can significantly reduce this shelf life.
Disposal Guidelines
CR batteries contain materials that require proper disposal:
- Recycling: Take used batteries to designated battery recycling locations
- Retail collection: Many electronics retailers and home improvement stores accept batteries for recycling
- Municipal programs: Check with local waste management authorities for battery disposal guidelines
- Preparation: Place tape over the positive and negative terminals before disposal to prevent short circuits
Never dispose of CR batteries in standard household trash, as they can potentially cause fires in waste processing facilities and release harmful substances into the environment.
Safety Precautions
CR batteries are generally safe when used as intended, but improper handling can create risks:
- Keep away from children: The small size of CR batteries makes them a choking and ingestion hazard
- Avoid damage: Don’t attempt to open, puncture, or expose batteries to excessive heat
- Prevent short circuits: Keep batteries away from metal objects and avoid mixing them with coins or keys
- Check polarity: Always insert batteries according to the device’s polarity markings
If a battery is swallowed, seek immediate medical attention, as lithium batteries can cause severe internal damage if not removed promptly.
Are CR batteries rechargeable?
No, CR batteries are primary (non-rechargeable) batteries. Attempting to recharge them can cause overheating, leakage, or explosion. For rechargeable alternatives, look for lithium-ion button cells specifically labeled as rechargeable.
Can I replace a CR2032 with a CR2025?
In some devices, a CR2025 may work as a temporary replacement for a CR2032, but you’ll experience reduced runtime due to lower capacity. However, many devices have precisely engineered battery compartments that require the exact specified size. Always check your device’s manual before substituting battery sizes.
How long do CR batteries last?
Shelf life for unused CR batteries is typically 5-10 years. In-device lifespan varies dramatically based on the device’s power consumption, from several months in high-drain devices to 5+ years in low-drain applications like watches.
Are CR2032 and DL2032 batteries the same?
Yes, these are different manufacturer designations for the same battery size. “CR” is the industry standard designation, while “DL” is Duracell’s proprietary prefix for their lithium coin cells. They are interchangeable in terms of size and voltage.
Can extreme temperatures affect CR battery performance?
Yes, CR batteries perform best at room temperature. Extreme cold can temporarily reduce capacity, while high heat can permanently degrade the battery and reduce its lifespan. Special high-temperature variants (like CR2032A) are available for automotive and industrial applications operating in elevated temperature environments.
Conclusion: Making Informed CR Battery Decisions
The right CR battery selection directly impacts device reliability, performance, and operational lifespan. Understanding the critical differences between sizes (like CR2032 vs CR2025) ensures compatibility while maximizing runtime for your specific application.
When selecting CR batteries, always:
- Verify exact device specifications before purchasing
- Consider both physical dimensions and capacity requirements
- Evaluate operational environment factors (temperature, humidity)
- Prioritize batteries from manufacturers with stringent quality control
As electronics continue to evolve toward greater miniaturization and energy efficiency, CR batteries remain indispensable power solutions across consumer, medical, automotive, and IoT applications. Their unmatched combination of high energy density, long shelf life, and compact form factor ensures their continued relevance in modern device design.
For specific applications requiring specialized performance characteristics, consult with a battery specialist who can provide tailored recommendations based on your unique requirements and usage patterns.
