CR2016 vs. CR2032: What are the Differences?

The CR2032 and CR2016 are coin-type batteries with the same voltage and appearance. While these batteries may seem nearly identical, there is a slight difference between them, particularly in power capacity and size. This article explores the differences between CR2016 and CR2032, exploring factors such as their lifespan, characteristics, dimensions, applications, and other relevant details to help you clarify doubts about their interchangeability and appropriate use of these two batteries.

Overview of CR2016 Battery

CR2016 batteries, classified as lithium button cells, find application in numerous compact electronic devices. Their designation as coin cell batteries stems from their diminutive size and shape, featuring a 20mm diameter and 1.6mm height. Widely utilized across various gadgets like watches, calculators, cameras, remote controls, and keyless entry systems, as well as in medical instruments like glucose meters and hearing aids, CR2016 batteries boast versatility. They adapt to diverse environmental conditions with a broad operational temperature range encompassing high and low extremes. Additionally, these batteries exhibit an extended shelf life, potentially up to ten years under proper storage conditions. Noteworthy attributes include:

• Leak resistance.

• A low self-discharge rate.

• The availability of both standard and rechargeable variants.

Specifications

Specifications	Parameter
Nominal Capacity	90 mAh
Nominal Voltage	3V
Operating Temperature	-30°C - +60°C
Diameter	20 mm
Weight	1.7 g
Shelf Life	10 years

Features & Benefits

• Effective pulse capability

• Excellent discharge characteristics

• Consistent voltage levels during discharge

• Reliable for the long-term

• Applicable in a diverse range of applications

• Elevated voltage (3V)

• Applicable across a broad temperature range(-30°C to +60°C)

• Mercury-free

Discharge Characteristics after storage

Discharge Load vs. Cell Capacity

How Long does CR2016 Run?

The typical shelf life of CR2016 batteries is generally cited as six years. However, there are claims from a battery manufacturer asserting that their single-use silver-zinc battery variant can extend that duration to ten years. As per watch manuals, a CR2016 battery is expected to power the device for approximately two years, especially in G-Shock watches.

Nevertheless, some individuals consider these estimates to be conservative approximations. Users who refrain from utilizing features like the auto EL light function, the hourly chime, or the alarm in their watches report real-world experiences suggesting that the battery life could extend to seven years or even more. These insights are based on the practical observations of users employing CR2016 batteries in their electronic timepieces.

Overview of CR2032 Battery

The CR2032 battery, recognized as a coin-shaped lithium-ion cell, delivers a 3-volt output and is commonly called the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) battery. Widely employed for energizing a computer's BIOS or its real-time clock, this non-rechargeable (primary) battery has become ubiquitous in contemporary applications.

Specifications

Specifications	Parameter
Nominal Capacity	225 mAh
Nominal Voltage	3V
Operating Temperature	-30°C - +60°C
Diameter	20 mm
Weight	3.1 g
Shelf Life	10 years

Features & Benefits

• Effective pulse capability

• Excellent discharge characteristics

• Consistent voltage levels during discharge

• Reliable for the long-term

• Comprehensive lineup suitable for diverse applications

• Elevated voltage (3V)

• Applicable across a broad temperature range(-30°C to +60°C)

• Mercury-free

Operating Voltage vs. Load Resistance

Capacity vs. Load Resistance

How Long does CR2032 Run?

When employed in computers and various electronic devices, the CR2032 battery frequently maintains functionality for approximately two years before depletion. To estimate the battery's lifespan, you can calculate its total charge in milliampere-hours (mAh) by its current consumption.

Under conditions where the device consistently draws 1 microamp or less, a CR2032 battery can endure for up to ten years. This scenario is applicable when the CR2032 is exclusively utilized to power the computer's BIOS. However, in most instances, the battery is tasked with supplying additional current intermittently or even continuously.

The Differences Between CR2016 and CR2032 Battery

The following will explore the main differences between CR2016 and CR2032 batteries in characteristics, applications, power ultra-compact, self-discharge, reliability & safety, and longevity.

CR2016 vs CR2032: Characteristics

Battery Physical Size

The CR2032, a larger variant of the widely used 2016 battery, is commonly employed in premium devices such as digital cameras. Due to their extended lifespan compared to smaller counterparts, these batteries are ideal for gadgets demanding significant power to operate effectively.

Capacity

The CR2032 boasts a capacity of 210 mAh, surpassing the CR2016, which holds a capacity of only 75 mAh. Consequently, under identical current requirements, the CR2032 can extend its operational duration by 3 hours compared to the CR2016.

Thickness

The CR2016 exhibits a thickness of 1.6 mm, whereas the CR2032 is 3.2 mm thick. With slight modifications, it's feasible to substitute a CR2016 for a CR2032. However, the reverse may not hold.

Weight

The CR2032 weighs nearly twice as much as the CR2016. Specifically, the average weight of the CR2016 is 1.7 grams, while the average weight of the CR2032 is 2.9 grams.

Temperature

CR2016 Temperature Characteristics

CR2032Temperature Characteristics

CR2016 vs CR2032: Applications

CR2016 Applications

• Wireless doorbells for homes

• Electronic toys

• Portable electronic devices

• Digital thermometers

• Digital altimeters

• Cyclocomputers

• Heart rate monitors

CR2032 Applications

• Memory backup

• Digital watches

• Car keys

• Laser pens

• Fitness appliances

• Medical devices(such as tensiometers and clinical thermometers)

CR2016 vs CR2032: Power ultra-compact

CR2016 Power ultra-compact

A single lithium battery can replace two, three, or more conventional batteries.

This ultra-compact design packs a lot of power: 3V. Thanks to the Panasonic lithium coin CR2016 battery, even tiny devices can now be equipped with a powerful energy source.

CR2032 Power ultra-compact

The Panasonic lithium coin CR2032 battery boasts a high voltage of 3V. In essence, it has abundant power in a remarkably compact design.

Opt for the lithium coin CR2032 battery, which is ample compared to the 2, 3, or more traditional batteries. Elevate your small devices with this potent source of energy.

CR2016 vs CR2032: Self-discharge

CR2016 Self-discharge

After 10 years, Panasonic lithium coin CR2016 batteries retain 90% of their initial capacity, showcasing impressive longevity.

Their exceptional chemical stability, stemming from the amalgamation of lithium and manganese dioxide, remains consistently high. 

Extensive testing has confirmed prolonged discharge performance across all operating temperatures under low-load discharge conditions.

CR2032 Self-discharge

Panasonic lithium coin CR2032 batteries retain 90% of their initial capacity even after a decade.

The chemical stability of these batteries, attributed to the blend of lithium and manganese dioxide, remains exceptionally high. Rigorous testing has confirmed their extended discharge performance across all operating temperatures, particularly under low-load discharge conditions.

CR2016 vs CR2032: Reliability and safety

CR2016 Reliability and safety

Panasonic batteries have gained endorsement under the rigorous UL safety standards in the United States and have earned global acclaim for their exceptional reliability and safety. This achievement results from extensive testing conducted by Panasonic on diverse safety and performance aspects of the Lithium Coin CR2016, accounting for environmental factors like temperature. Our repository of substantiated data on battery performance is derived from thorough assessments beyond short-term accelerated tests.

CR2032 Reliability and safety

Panasonic has extensively tested this battery's safety and performance characteristics through multiple iterations. Environmental factors, including temperature, were carefully examined. Panasonic has amassed substantial supporting data on our battery's performance, surpassing the insights obtained from short-term accelerated tests. Consequently, Panasonic batteries have secured approval for their elevated reliability and safety standards under the UL safety standards in the United States, gaining widespread recognition globally.

CR2016 vs CR2032: Longevity

Longevity is a crucial aspect to contemplate in selecting a CR battery.

The endurance of a battery hinges solely on its capacity. Comparing the battery capacity of a CR2016 to a CR2032 reveals a difference of 90mAh versus 240mAh. Consequently, the CR2032 is expected to outlast the CR2016 by twice the duration.

However, concerning shelf life, both CR2016 and CR2032 batteries exhibit a commendable longevity of up to ten years.

CR2016 vs. CR2032 Batteries: Comparison Table

The presented table facilitates a straightforward evaluation of critical metrics differentiating CR2016 and CR2032 batteries. This aids users in selecting the most suitable battery for their particular requirements, considering the power needs and size limitations of the device in question.

Indicator	CR2016 Battery	CR2032 Battery
Cell Size	20mm x 1.6mm	20mm x 3.2mm
Nominal Voltage	3V	3V
Capacity	75mAh	220mAh
Typical Applications	Watches, calculators, key fobs	Key fobs, medical devices, small electronics
Usage	Low-power devices	Low to medium-power devices
Dimensions	16mm diameter	20mm diameter
Availability	Widely available	Widely available
Price (may vary)	Lower	Slightly higher

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Are they Interchangeable?

Capacity

CR2032 battery

The capacity is 240 mAh, providing approximately 10 hours of usage under an average load of 24 mA.

CR2016 battery 

The capacity of 90 mAh, delivering around 6 hours of usage with an average load of 15 mA.

Voltage

Both the CR2032 and CR2016 batteries are 3-volt lithium coin batteries.

Thickness

CR2032 battery

The CR2032 battery measures 3.2 mm.

CR2016 battery

The CR2016 battery has a thickness of 1.6 mm.

While the CR2016 and CR2032 vary in thickness, they share numerous similarities. Both belong to the 3-volt category and are non-rechargeable. It's essential to note, though, that their capacities diverge significantly. The CR2032 boasts a 240 mAh capacity, whereas the CR2016 lags with only 90 mAh. Consequently, the CR2032 can endure up to 10 hours, while the CR2016 manages approximately six hours, contingent on the power consumption.

Despite both batteries delivering 3 volts, their non-interchangeability stems from differing thicknesses. Attempting to substitute two CR2016s for a single CR2032 would yield 6 volts, posing a risk of damaging the connected device. Exercise caution to avoid unintended consequences.

CR2016 Battery Equivalents

CR2016 battery equivalents include 5000LC, BR2016, CR2016, DL2016, ECR2016, KCR2016, KECR2016, Seiko SB-T11, and Timex FA.

CR2032 Battery Equivalents

CR2016 battery equivalents include 5004LC, BR2032, CR2032, DL2032, KCR2032, and KECR2032.

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Similarities

Both coin cell batteries share a comparable chemical composition. Additionally, these batteries exhibit uniformity in nominal voltage, shape, diameter, and operating temperature range.

Characteristics	CR2016 & CR2032
Chemistry	Lithium Manganese Dioxide
Shape	Round, Flat
Diameter	20 millimeters
Nominal voltage	3 V
Operating temperature	-30°C to +60°C
Rechargeable	Not rechargeable

Conclusion

The main difference between a CR2016 and a CR2032 battery lies in their capacities, with the CR2032 boasting approximately double the capacity of the CR2016. This results in an extended lifespan before requiring replacement. Both batteries operate on a 3-volt lithium-ion platform. Despite sharing the same nominal voltage, their dissimilarities in capacity and thickness render them non-interchangeable.

The CR2016, at 1.6mm thickness, contrasts with the 3.2mm thickness of the CR2032. Discerning the thickness of CR batteries is straightforward—examine the last two digits of their names. The larger CR2032 may not fit into compartments designed for CR2016 in most single-cell devices. Conversely, some devices may accommodate two stacked CR2016 batteries as an alternative to a single CR2032, achieving the correct size but yielding an incorrect voltage of 6V (3V+3V). Caution is advised against this, as it deviates from the recommended usage of a single CR2032 providing 3V.

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