CR2016 vs. CR2032: Is CR2016 Interchangeable with CR2032?

The CR2016 and CR2032 are both common button cell batteries, but they differ in size and capacity. This article will guide you through their key features, interchangeability, and ideal applications.

Introduction to CR2016

The CR2016 is a button cell, a small, coin-shaped lithium battery. Here's a quick rundown of its key features.

• Size: It's compact, measuring 20mm in diameter and a mere 1.6mm thick.

• Power: It packs a 3-volt punch, but with a capacity of around 90mAh, it's suited for low-drain devices.

• Chemistry: It's a lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2) battery, known for stability and long shelf life (around 10 years).

• Uses: You'll find CR2016s in various devices that need a steady trickle of power, such as:

• Watches

• Small electronics and toys

• Key fobs

• Glucose monitors

• Computer motherboard memory backup

CR2016 Battery Equivalent

The CR2016 is a common button cell battery, but there are a few equivalents you can consider depending on your needs.

• Direct replacements: These batteries have the same size and voltage as the CR2016 and can be directly swapped without any modifications. They include:

• BR2016

• DL2016

• ECR2016

• KCR2016

• LER2016

• Possible alternative (with caution): The CR2025 battery has the same diameter (20mm) but is thicker (3.2mm) than the CR2016 (1.6mm). If there's enough space in the device, it might work as a replacement. However, double-check your device's battery compartment size before using a CR2025.

Introduction to CR2032

The CR2032 is a ubiquitous button cell battery, a small, coin-shaped powerhouse commonly found in many everyday devices.

• Size: It boasts a compact design, measuring 20mm in diameter and 3.2mm thick, making it ideal for various applications.

• Power: It provides a consistent 3-volt output, perfect for powering low to moderate drain devices.

• Chemistry: It's a lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2) battery, known for its long shelf life (around 10 years) and stable performance.

• Capacity: With a capacity ranging from 220mAh to 250mAh, it offers extended power for devices with steady but low power consumption.

• Uses: The CR2032 is a versatile battery and you'll find it powering a wide range of devices, including:

• Car key fobs (keyless entry)

• Calculators

• Hearing aids

• Laser pointers

• Remote controls

• Tire pressure monitors

• Small electronics and toys

• Computer motherboard memory backup

Key benefits of CR2032:

• Reliable and long-lasting: The lithium chemistry offers stable voltage output and a long shelf life, making it a dependable choice.

• Compact size: Its small footprint allows for integration into various space-constrained devices.

• Leakproof: Lithium manganese dioxide batteries are known for their leak resistance, minimizing the risk of damage to your device.

Overall, the CR2032 is a reliable and convenient power source for countless everyday devices. Its compact size, long shelf life, and stable performance make it a popular choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.

CR2016 Battery Equivalent

The CR2016 is a common button cell battery, but there are a few equivalents you can consider depending on your needs.

• Direct replacements: These batteries have the same size and voltage as the CR2016 and can be directly swapped without any modifications. They include:
  

• BR2016

• DL2016

• ECR2016

• KCR2016

• LER2016

• Possible alternative (with caution): The CR2025 battery has the same diameter (20mm) but is thicker (3.2mm) than the CR2016 (1.6mm). If there's enough space in the device, it might work as a replacement. However, double-check your device's battery compartment size before using a CR2025.

Summary Table for CR2016 vs. CR2032:

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Size

The key difference in size between CR2016 and CR2032 batteries is their thickness.

• Diameter: Both CR2016 and CR2032 have the same diameter, which is 20mm.

• Thickness:

• CR2016 is significantly thinner at 1.6mm.

• CR2032 is thicker at 3.2mm, which is double the thickness of CR2016.

In summary:

• If you need a slim battery to fit in a tight space, go for the CR2016.

• If thickness isn't a concern, and you need a battery with longer life (due to higher capacity), the CR2032 might be a better choice.

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Capacity

The main difference in capacity between CR2016 and CR2032 batteries lies in how long they can store power.

• CR2016: This battery has a capacity ranging from 75mAh to 90mAh. (mAh stands for milliampere-hours, a unit of electrical capacity).

• CR2032: This battery boasts a significantly higher capacity, ranging from 210mAh to 240mAh.

Here's what this means in practical terms:

• CR2016: Due to its lower capacity, it's better suited for low-drain devices like watches, key fobs, or small remote controls.

• CR2032: With its higher capacity, it can power devices with moderate drain for a longer time. This makes it a good choice for things like car key fobs, laser pointers, or even some hearing aids.

Choosing between CR2016 and CR2032 based on capacity:

• If your device has low power consumption and you prioritize a slimmer battery, the CR2016 might be sufficient.

• If your device has moderate power consumption and you need a battery that lasts longer, the CR2032 is the better option.

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Weight

You're absolutely right about the CR2016 and CR2032 having different weights due to the variation in thickness and the amount of material used.

• CR2016: This thinner battery weighs around 1.6 grams to 2.3 grams.

• CR2032: The thicker CR2032 is naturally heavier, weighing around 3.0 grams to 3.2 grams.

While the weight difference might seem small, it can be a factor in certain applications:

• Extremely weight-sensitive devices: In rare cases, some very lightweight devices, like miniature medical implants or high-performance drones, might prioritize the lighter CR2016 to minimize overall weight.

However, for most everyday uses, the weight difference between CR2016 and CR2032 is negligible. The choice between the two will primarily depend on the factors discussed earlier, such as size constraints and required battery life.

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Applications

As we've discussed, CR2016 and CR2032 batteries differ in size (thickness) and capacity.

CR2016 (Thin & Lower Capacity):

• Ideal for: Devices with limited space and low power consumption.

• Examples:

• Watches (especially traditional analog watches)

• Small calculators

• Hearing aid remotes

• Key fobs (especially for simpler key fobs without integrated displays)

• Tire pressure monitors (some models)

• Coin-operated electronics (games, rides)

• Backup memory for CMOS chips in computer motherboards (minimal power needed to retain settings)

CR2032 (Thicker & Higher Capacity):

• Ideal for: Devices with moderate power consumption or where longer battery life is desired, even if space isn't extremely limited.

• Examples:

• Car key fobs (especially for key fobs with integrated displays)

• Laser pointers

• Remote controls for TVs, cameras, or other electronics

• Hearing aids (some models)

• Blood pressure monitors

• Glucose monitors

• Small thermometers

• Pedometers

• Small toys and games

Here's a table summarizing the key points:

CR2016 vs CR2032: Key Fob

CR2016 and CR2032 batteries can both be used in key fobs, but the best choice depends on the specific key fob you have. Here's a breakdown:

CR2016:

• Suitable for: Simpler key fobs that don't have integrated displays or extensive features. These fobs typically have lower power consumption.

• Pros: Fits in key fobs with limited space for batteries.

• Cons: Lower capacity means it might need to be replaced more often.

CR2032:

• Suitable for: More complex key fobs, especially those with integrated displays or features like remote trunk release. These fobs typically have moderate power consumption.

• Pros: Higher capacity translates to longer battery life.

• Cons: Thicker size might not fit in all key fobs.

In summary:

• CR2016 for space-constrained or simple key fobs.

• CR2032 for fobs with displays, multiple buttons, or a need for longer battery life.

CR2016 vs CR2032 vs CR2025

Here's a breakdown of CR2016, CR2025, and CR2032 button cell batteries, focusing on their key differences:

Size:

• Diameter: All three batteries have the same diameter of 20mm.

• Thickness:

• CR2016: Thinnest at 1.6mm.

• CR2025: Medium thickness at 2.5mm.

• CR2032: Thickest at 3.2mm.

Capacity:

• CR2016: Lowest capacity (75mAh - 90mAh), suitable for low-drain devices.

• CR2025: Moderate capacity (around 160mAh), good for low to moderate drain devices.

• CR2032: Highest capacity (210mAh - 240mAh), ideal for moderate-drain devices needing longer life.

Applications:

• CR2016: Best for space-constrained devices with low power consumption (watches, simple key fobs, hearing aid remotes).

• CR2025: A versatile option for devices with low to moderate drain (calculators, some key fobs, small electronics).

• CR2032: Suitable for devices with moderate power consumption or needing longer battery life (car key fobs with displays, laser pointers, medical devices, some toys).

CR2025 vs. CR2016:

• Consider CR2025 if CR2016 is too thin but space is still limited. It offers slightly more capacity than CR2016.

• Double-check your device's manual or battery compartment size before using CR2025 as it's thicker.

CR2032 vs. CR2025:

• CR2032 is thicker but offers significantly more capacity for extended battery life in moderate-drain devices.

• If space is a major concern, CR2025 might be a suitable alternative.

Here's a table summarizing the key points:

2 CR2016 vs 1 CR2032

Two CR2016 batteries cannot directly replace a single CR2032 battery.

• Voltage: Both CR2016 and CR2032 provide a standard 3 volts, so that aspect would be the same.

• Capacity: The key difference lies in capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).

• Two CR2016 batteries typically have a combined capacity of 150mAh - 180mAh (each being around 75mAh - 90mAh).

• A single CR2032 has a capacity of 210mAh - 240mAh.

While the combined voltage from two CR2016s would be the same as a CR2032, their overall capacity might be slightly lower. This could lead to shorter battery life in your device compared to using a single CR2032.

Using Two CR2016s:

• Pros:

• Might work in some devices if space allows for stacking.

• May be readily available if you don't have a CR2032 on hand.

• Cons:

• Lower overall capacity compared to a CR2032, potentially leading to shorter battery life.

• Stacking batteries can be risky if not done properly, as they might not make good contact or become loose.

• Not recommended by manufacturers as it's not the intended use.

Using One CR2032:

• Pros:

• Designed capacity for powering moderate-drain devices.

• A single, clean solution that fits the intended battery compartment.

• Safer option as it avoids potential issues with stacking.

In conclusion, for optimal performance and safety, it's best to stick with a single CR2032 battery if your device is designed for it.

Can I use CR2032 instead of CR1616?

While both CR2032 and CR1616 batteries have the same voltage (3V), their physical size is quite different.

• CR2032:

• Diameter: 20mm

• Thickness: 3.2mm

• CR1616:

• Diameter: 16mm

• Thickness: 1.6mm

Due to this size difference, a CR2032 most likely won't fit in a battery compartment designed for a CR1616.

How long do CR2032 batteries last in a key fob?

The lifespan of a CR2032 battery in a key fob is 4-5 years. Here's a more detailed breakdown of factors affecting CR2032 life in key fobs:

• Key fob features:

• Simpler key fobs with just a button or two use less power and can see the battery last 4-6 years.

• More complex fobs with displays or multiple buttons have higher drain and might need replacements every 2-3 years.

• Usage frequency: The more you use the key fob (pressing buttons), the faster the battery drains.

• Environmental factors: Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can slightly impact battery life.

What is the lifespan of a CR2016 battery?

The typical shelf life of a CR2016 battery is around 10 years when unused and stored properly.

Final Thoughts

CR2016 and CR2032 batteries serve different purposes. Understanding their size, capacity, and ideal applications will ensure you choose the right battery for optimal performance and lifespan in your devices.

Read More:

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Is CR2016 Interchangeable with CR2032

LR44 Battery Equivalent Chart

Button Battery LR44 vs 357