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Is CR2032 Compatible with CR2025 or CR2016

2025/7/3 9:52:48

Home blogIs CR2032 Compatible with CR2025 or CR2016


You might wonder if you can use a cr2032 battery instead of a CR2025 or CR2016. All three batteries share a 20 mm diameter and provide 3 V voltage. However, their thickness and power capacity differ. For instance, the CR2016 is only 1.6 mm thick with about 90 mAh capacity, while the cr2032 battery is 3.2 mm thick and can deliver up to 240 mAh. This means your device may require a specific size to fit properly and function correctly.

Indicator
CR2016 Battery
CR2025 Battery
CR2032 Battery
Diameter
20 mm
20 mm
20 mm
Thickness
1.6 mm
2.5 mm 3.2mm
Nominal Voltage
3 V
3 V
3 V
Capacity
75-90 mAh
~150 mAh
220-240 mAh


It’s essential to always check your device’s requirements, especially if it involves manufacturing printed circuit components or other precise parts. Using the correct battery size, like the cr2032 battery when specified, helps prevent malfunctions and safety risks.


Key Takeaways

CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 batteries all have a 20 mm diameter and 3V voltage. They are different in thickness and how much power they hold. Using the right battery for your device is very important. A thicker battery like CR2032 might not fit if your device needs a thinner one like CR2016. Some devices with spring contacts can use both CR2025 and CR2032. But CR2032 almost never fits where CR2016 is needed. If you use the wrong battery size, your device might not work right. It could have bad contact or even get damaged. Never try to force a battery into place. Always look at your device’s manual and check the battery compartmentbefore you change batteries. This helps keep you safe and makes your device last longer.

Compatibility Overview

Can You Swap These Batteries?

You might think it is simple to swap these batteries. They all have the same diameter and voltage. Sometimes, you can use a different battery if it fits well. The battery must touch the terminals to work. But thickness and capacity are very important. They decide if the swap will work.


Here is a quick comparison of their main features:

Characteristic

CR2016

CR2025

CR2032

Chemistry

Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO₂)

Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO₂)

Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO₂)

Nominal Voltage

3.0 V

3.0 V

3.0 V

Diameter

20 mm

20 mm

20 mm

Thickness

1.6 mm

2.5 mm

3.2 mm

Typical Capacity

100 mAh

170 mAh

235 mAh

Typical Weight

1.9 g

2.6 g

3.0 g

Energy Density (mWh/g)

122

176

195

Energy Density (mWh/cm³)

464

616

735

Lithium Content

0.036 g

0.078 g

0.109 g

Operating Temperature

-30°C to 60°C

-30°C to 60°C

-30°C to 60°C

Self-Discharge Rate

~1% per year

~1% per year

~1% per year

All three batteries use the same chemistry and voltage. The cr2032 battery is thicker and stores more energy. It lasts longer than the others. But it may not fit in a spot made for a thinner battery. If your device has a spring or flexible contact, you might use a cr2032 battery instead of a CR2025. Using a cr2032 battery instead of a CR2016 almost never works. The cr2032 battery is just too thick.


Key Exceptions

Some devices let you use a thicker battery. Most do not. This is because of how the battery compartment is made. Devices like car key fobs, calculators, and watches have small spaces for batteries. If you try to use a cr2032 battery where a CR2016 is needed, it probably will not fit. Even if you close the compartment, the battery may not touch the contacts. This can make the device stop working.
  • Devices with spring-loaded contacts sometimes take both CR2025 and cr2032 battery types.
  • Devices that need a CR2016 almost never take a cr2032 battery because it is much thicker.
  • Some remotes and small gadgets list both CR2025 and CR2032 as options. You can pick the one with more capacity for longer use.
The chemistry and voltage are the same for these batteries. But thickness and capacity change how they work and fit. Using a battery that is too thick can break the compartment or stop the device from working.


cr2032 battery Compatibility

With CR2025

You might ask if a cr2032 battery can go where a CR2025 is needed. Both batteries are 20 mm wide and have 3V voltage. The biggest difference is how thick they are. The cr2032 battery is 3.2 mm thick. The CR2025 is only 2.5 mm thick. So, the cr2032 battery is 0.7 mm thicker.

Battery Type Category

Battery Designation

Voltage (V)

Diameter (mm)

Height (mm)

Lithium manganese dioxide coin cells

CR2025

3

20

2.5

Lithium manganese dioxide coin cells

CR2032

3

20

3.2

If your device has a spring or a soft contact, you might use a cr2032 battery instead of a CR2025. The spring can push on the thicker battery and hold it in place. This gives your device more power, so it may last longer before you need a new battery.
Some things, like remotes or key fobs, let you use either CR2025 or cr2032 battery types. You can pick the one that lasts longer. But if the space is very tight, the thicker battery may not fit. Forcing it can break your device or make the battery not touch right.
You can look at this chart to see how tall the batteries are:

Bar chart comparing battery heights by type showing coin and cylindrical cells.


With CR2016

It is much harder to use a cr2032 battery instead of a CR2016. Both have the same width and voltage, but the cr2032 battery is twice as thick. The CR2016 is only 1.6 mm thick. The cr2032 battery is 3.2 mm thick


Feature

CR2016

CR2032

Voltage

3.0V nominal, 2.0V end voltage

3.0V nominal, 2.0V end voltage

Diameter

20mm

20mm

Thickness

1.6mm

3.2mm

Capacity

~75-100mAh

~200-240mAh

Chemical Composition

Lithium manganese dioxide

Lithium manganese dioxide

Operating Temperature

-20℃ to 60℃

-20℃ to 60℃

Physical Compatibility

Fits smaller compartments

Thicker, may not fit CR2016 slots without modification

Most devices that use a CR2016 have a very thin battery space. The cr2032 battery will not fit unless you change the compartment. Even if you get it in, you might not close the cover or make good contact. This can make your device stop working or even break it.

Some people have tried to use a cr2032 battery instead of a CR2016 by changing the battery space. Sometimes this works, but it is risky. You must make sure the battery touches the contacts and does not move. If the battery is too thick, it can press too hard and hurt the device.

Do not stack two CR2016 batteries to match the thickness of a cr2032 battery. This will make the voltage 6V, which can hurt your device. Even if you put them side by side, you will not get the same power as one cr2032 battery, and you need two spaces.

Size and Thickness

When you look at CR2016, CR2025, and CR2032 batteries, you will notice they all have a diameter of 20 mm. This means each battery will fit into the same round space in your device. The main difference comes from their thickness.

Battery Model

Diameter (mm)

Thickness (mm)

Voltage (V)

CR2016

20

1.6

3.0

CR2025

20

2.5

3.0

CR2032

20

3.2

3.0

The CR2016 is the thinnest at only 1.6 mm. The CR2025 is a bit thicker at 2.5 mm. The CR2032 is the thickest at 3.2 mm. You need to check the thickness because your device may only fit one type. If you try to use a thicker battery, the cover might not close or the battery might not touch the contacts.

Capacity and Lifespan

Capacity tells you how much energy a battery can store. Lifespan shows how long the battery will last in your device. All three batteries have the same voltage, but their capacity and lifespan are different.

Battery Model

Capacity (mAh)

Lifespan at 5mA Load (hours)

CR2016

75 - 90

18

CR2025

160 - 170

33

CR2032

220 - 240

Up to 1100 (at low drain)

The CR2016 has the lowest capacity, so it works best in devices that do not use much power, like small calculators or watches. The CR2025 gives you more energy and lasts longer. The CR2032 has the highest capacity and can power your device for the longest time. For example, in a test with a 15kΩ load, the CR2032 lasted about 1100 hours, while the CR2025 lasted about 630 hours.


Key Differences

Physical Fit

It is important that the battery fits your device well. Each battery model has its own thickness and weight. Even a small change in size can affect how the battery sits. If the battery is too thick, you might not close the cover. If it is too thin, it may not touch the contacts. Then your device will not work.


Here is a table that shows the main physical differences between CR2025 and CR2016 batteries:

Battery Model

Thickness (mm)

Weight (g)

Volume (cm³)

Capacity (mAh)

Energy Density (mWh/g)

Energy Density (mWh/cm³)

CR2025

2.5

2.6

0.8

170

176

616

CR2016

1.6

1.9

0.5

100

122

464

The CR2025 is almost 1 mm thicker than the CR2016. This extra thickness gives it more capacity. But it also means it will not fit in every device. Watches, hearing aids, and small electronics use button batteries because they are small. If you put a thicker battery in a spot for a thin one, you could break the compartment. Your device might stop working.


Performance Impact

The battery size changes how long your device will work. Thicker batteries like the CR2025 hold more energy than thinner ones like the CR2016. This means your device can run longer before you need to change the battery. The table above shows that the CR2025 has more capacity and higher energy density.

Devices that use button batteries need to balance size and power. Watches and hearing aids need small batteries to fit in tight spaces. Remotes and small gadgets sometimes let you use a thicker battery. This gives you longer use.

Battery types are important too. Cylindrical batteries power laptops and electric vehicles because they store more energy. Prismatic and pouch batteries fit slim devices like smartphones and tablets. Button batteries, such as CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016, work best in small electronics where space is tight.


Device Issues
If you use the wrong battery size, your device might not work right. A battery that is too thick or too thin may not touch the terminals well. This can make your device turn off or not start at all. Sometimes, your device might work for a little while and then stop. This happens when the battery does not fit snugly.

You might also notice the battery runs out faster. If the battery is not in the right spot, it can lose power quickly. Some things, like watches or remotes, need steady power to work. Using the wrong battery can make screens flicker, signals weak, or the device stop working.

Here are some problems you could have:

  • The device will not turn on.
  • The battery cover will not close.
  • The battery slides around inside.
  • The device only works if you press or shake it.


Safety Concerns

Using the wrong battery can be dangerous, especially if kids are around. If a battery does not fit, it might fall out or get stuck. Small kids can find loose batteries and put them in their mouths. This can cause serious harm.

A recent study showed that remotes, toys, and watches are the main ways kids swallow button batteries. Kids under six, especially toddlers, are most at risk. Many times, kids had to go to the hospital after swallowing a battery.


Device Type

Percentage of Ingestion Incidents

Remote Controls

17.6%

Games/Toys

10%

Watches

6.3%

Never force a battery into a space. Forcing it can break your device or the battery. A broken battery might leak or get too hot. Leaking batteries can hurt your device and cause burns or chemical injuries.


Choosing the Right Battery

Check Device Requirements

Always check what battery your device needs first. This helps you avoid problems and keeps your device safe. Makers design devices for certain battery sizes and types. Using the wrong battery can break your device or make it not last as long.
  • Look at the battery label for voltage, capacity, and safety marks like CE.
  • Make sure you can take out and put in the battery easily. You should be able to change batteries without hurting the device or yourself.
  • Read your device’s instructions. They tell you how to use, remove, and replace the battery.
  • See if your device needs a single-use or rechargeable battery. Some only work with one kind.
  • Think about how long you want your device to run. Devices that use more power need batteries with more capacity.

You should also think about where you use your device. Batteries work best in the right temperature and humidity. Check your batteries often to make sure they are safe and healthy.

Replacement Tips
When you change a battery, do it safely and the right way. Here are some tips to help you:


  • Turn off your device before you take out the old battery.
  • Use a clean, dry cloth to hold the new battery. Dirt or oil can hurt the battery contacts.
  • Never force a battery in. If it does not fit, it is not the right one.
  • Keep extra batteries in a cool, dry place, away from kids and pets.
  • Take old batteries to a recycling center. Do not throw them in the trash.
You can look at these stats to pick the best battery for your device:

Parameter

Why It Matters for You

Capacity

Shows how long the battery will last in your device.

Energy Density

Tells how much energy fits in a small space, good for portable devices.

Power Density

Helps if your device needs quick bursts of power.

State of Charge

Lets you know how much battery life is left.

State of Health

Shows if your battery is getting old or needs to be changed.

Internal Resistance

Affects how much energy is lost as heat, which can change safety.

Cycle Life

Tells how many times you can recharge the battery before it wears out.

C-rate

Shows how fast you can charge or use the battery without hurting it.

You need to use the right battery for your device. Only use a cr2032 battery if your device says it is okay. This helps your device stay safe and last longer. Research shows that using the right battery makes things work better and last more years. It also stops problems from happening. Over time, the right battery keeps your electronics working well and slows down wear. Always read your device’s manual and never push in a battery that does not fit.


FAQ

Can you use a CR2032 battery in place of a CR2025?

You might be able to use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 if your device has enough space for a thicker battery. Always make sure the cover closes without any trouble. If you push in a battery that is too thick, it can break your device.

What happens if you use the wrong size battery?

If you use the wrong size battery, it might not touch the contacts right. Your device could stop working or the battery compartment could break. Always use the battery size your device needs.

Are CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 batteries rechargeable?

No, you cannot recharge these batteries. They are single-use lithium coin cells. If you try to recharge them, they could leak or even explode.

How do you safely dispose of used coin batteries?

  • Put used batteries in a recycling bin made for batteries.
  • Keep old batteries away from kids and pets.
  • Do not throw them in the regular trash.

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