Button cells, which are often called button batteries because they look like little buttons, are different from the usual cylindrical batteries like the common AA ones. Button batteries are wider and thinner compared to cylindrical ones. These button batteries are named based on their shape, which can be round, square, or even other special shapes.

There are two main kinds of button batteries: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. Rechargeable ones include 3.6V lithium-ion button batteries (known as the LIR series) and 3V rechargeable lithium-ion button batteries (from the ML or VL series). Non-rechargeable types are the 3V lithium-manganese button batteries (CR series) and the 1.5V alkaline zinc-manganese ones (LR and SR series).

Some common button battery models you might come across are AG3, AG10, and AG13, which are often used in toys, gifts, computer motherboards, and electronic watches. Well-known models include the CR2032, found in electronic dictionaries; the CR2025, also used in electronic dictionaries, and the CR2016, as well as SR44 and SR626, which are commonly used in electronic watches. In this article, we are going to explore the differences between CR2016 and CR2032 to help answer a common question that many consumers have.

CR2016

Overview of CR2016

The CR2016 is a type of non-rechargeable battery. It is a 3V button-shaped battery made of manganese and lithium. The letters "CR" refer to the international IEC code for this kind of battery, where "20" means the battery is 20 mm wide, and "16" shows that it is 1.6 mm thick. These batteries are small, round, and very common 3V button batteries, with a nominal voltage of 3.0V and a capacity of 75mAh.

You will often find this type of battery in devices like computer motherboards, memory cards, mobile phones, Bluetooth wireless gadgets, remote controls, calculators, electric toys, small radios, alarm systems, medical devices, and many other electronic products. Its popularity comes from its stable voltage and compact size, making it useful for a wide range of devices.

CR2016 Specifications

Overview of CR2032

The CR2032 is a 3V lithium-manganese battery. It is built using a combination of manganese dioxide, which has very stable chemical properties, as the positive part (or electrode), and metallic lithium as the negative part. The electrolyte inside the battery is made of salts that can be either solid or dissolved in organic liquids. Because of its shape, this battery is often called a lithium button battery or lithium-manganese button battery.

One of the main features of the CR2032 is that it stores a lot of energy for its size. It also has a long shelf life, meaning it can be stored for a long time without losing much power, and it does not discharge easily when not in use. It is safe to use and can operate in a wide range of temperatures, from -20 to +70°C.

These characteristics make the CR2032 battery a popular choice for many electronic devices, like watches, calculators, key fobs, and even small medical devices. Its ability to work well in different temperatures adds to its usefulness, making it a reliable power source for both everyday gadgets and more specialized equipment.

CR2032

CR2032 Specifications

CR2016 vs. CR2032: The Difference Between CR2016 and CR2032

In short, while both CR2016 and CR2032 batteries are 3V, their power capacities are different, which makes it important to choose the right one when replacing them. Just like with AA batteries, it is helpful to know how voltage, capacity, and size all play a role in how well a battery works for a specific device. By understanding these details about lithium button batteries, people can make better choices based on what their devices need to run properly.

CR2016 vs. CR2032

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Thickness

The differences between CR2016 and CR2032 batteries go beyond just their names. The numbers in their names indicate their size. Both batteries are 20 mm wide, but the main difference is their thickness. The CR2016 is slim at 1.6 mm thick, while the CR2032 is thicker at 3.2 mm. Even though both batteries provide 3V of power, their thickness greatly affects how much energy they can store and how long they last.

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Capacity

Generally, thicker batteries can hold more power. This is true for all types of batteries. The idea is pretty simple: thicker batteries give you more energy, so they tend to last longer. If your device can accommodate the extra thickness, choosing a thicker battery can result in a longer-lasting power source.

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Weight

The weights of these batteries are quite different. A typical CR2032 weighs about 3.1 grams, while a CR2016 weighs around 1.6 grams.

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Applications

When you compare the CR2016 to the CR2032, it is important to note their specific uses. The CR2032 is commonly found in electronic dictionaries, while the CR2016 is often used in electronic watches.

To get into specifics, the CR2016 operates at 3V and has a power capacity of about 75mAh. In comparison, the thicker CR2032 also works at 3V but can store more power, around 200mAh. The significant difference in power comes from the thickness, as the CR2032 is twice as thick as the CR2016.

Can One CR2032 Replace Two CR2016 Batteries?

Using two CR2016 batteries in a row to replace a CR2032 battery does not work well. When connected this way, the power increases to 6V, which is too high for devices that are designed to use a single 3V CR2032.

However, there is another option. If you connect two CR2016 batteries side by side (in parallel), it can somewhat replace a CR2032. This setup keeps the power at 3V and can provide a combined capacity of about 150mAh. Still, it is important to note that this is less power than a single CR2032, providing only about three-quarters of its capacity. Plus, using two battery slots can make this solution a little tricky.

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Similarities Between CR2016 and CR2032

Shared Materials: Both CR2016 and CR2032 batteries are made from the same materials. The positive part uses manganese dioxide, which is very stable chemically, while the negative part is made of metallic lithium. The electrolyte inside consists of lithium battery electrolyte, mainly lithium perchlorate, with solvents like propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and dioxolane.

Similar Shape: Both batteries have a cylindrical shape.

Matching Diameters: They have the same diameter, both measuring 20 mm.

Uniform Voltage Levels: Both batteries have the same voltage, with a nominal voltage of 3.0V and an end voltage of 2.0V.

Identical Operating Temperature Range: The operating temperature range for both the CR2016 and CR2032 is the same, from -20°C to 60°C. However, they are usually used within a more practical range of 5°C to 60°C. Some manufacturers of BR series batteries designed for wider temperatures have even achieved a range of -50°C to 125°C, but that is not covered in detail here.

Uniform Storage Environment: Both batteries should be stored in similar conditions, ideally at around 20°C and with relative humidity kept below 75%.

Final Words

Looking at the differences between CR2016 and CR2032 batteries helps us understand which one is better for different electronic devices. While these button batteries have some things in common, like their small size and round shape, they also have key differences that set them apart. Whether it is their diameter, thickness, or voltage, knowing these details allows people to make smart choices based on what their devices really need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CR2032 lithium-ion or metal?

It is a lithium-ion battery.

Can I use CR2032 instead of CR1616?

Yes, the CR2032 and CR1616 batteries both have the same voltage and are similar in chemical composition, which means they can work in some cases. However, there are important physical differences. The CR2032 is larger and thicker, with a diameter of 20 mm compared to 16 mm and a thickness of 3.2 mm compared to 1.6 mm. If there is enough space in the device’s battery compartment, a CR2032 might fit where a CR1616 usually goes.

How long do CR2032 batteries last in a key fob?

They typically last about four to five years.

What battery can replace a CR2032?

You can use either a CR2025 or a CR2032 as a replacement for a CR2032 battery, as long as they fit in the battery compartment. Both batteries share the same diameter, but the CR2032 is slightly thicker, which means it has a higher capacity measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). So, if there is enough space, using a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 may give you a bit longer battery life.

What battery can replace CR2016?

For replacing a CR2016 battery, you can use a CR2025 battery. They have similar dimensions, both being 20 mm in diameter and sharing the same voltage, making them interchangeable.

What Do You Use a CR2016 Battery For?

CR2016 lithium coin cell batteries are popular because they are reliable and have a long shelf life. You can find them in many devices, such as watches, clocks, toys, calculators, and anything that needs a real-time clock. They also work as backup power for electronics, keyless entry remotes, and remote starters in cars.

What Is the Lifespan of a CR2016 Battery?

It typically lasts about 10 years.

Can I Use a CR2032 Instead of a CR2016 in a Key Fob?

Yes, you can use a CR2032 in place of a CR2016 in a key fob. Both batteries provide the same voltage of 3V. The main difference is their thickness: the CR2016 is half as thick as the CR2032. As long as the key fob has enough space for the slightly thicker CR2032, it should work just fine as a replacement for the CR2016.