This article shall take a closer look if the CR2032 battery is interchangeable with CR2016, CR2430, and CR2450 batteries. 

Brief look at CR2032, CR2016, CR2430 and CR2450 batteries

Before we delve into whether the different versions of the battery are interchangeable, let’s first learn a bit about this particular type of battery. 

Batteries come in a variety of shapes, sizes, voltages, capacities, and chemical compositions. Below is a list of the most frequently used shapes for batteries:

• Coin cell
• AA 
• AAA
• C
• D
• 9V (rectangular)
• Flat pack
• Car battery

CR batteries fall under the coin cell category due to their resemblance of a coin. CR batteries are typically non-rechargeable (however, they do have rechargeable versions). Their chemical composition consists of Lithium and a voltage of 3 volts. The CR series of batteries aren’t manufactured by a singular company, but by a range of companies which include Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, Philips, Maxell, Murata and Renata.

While CR batteries all tend to have the same voltage of 3 volts and chemical composition, they differ in size. Their naming convention is the easiest way to distinguish the different sizes of CR batteries. The first letter (C), tells us the chemical composition of the battery, which is Lithium in this instance, and the next letter (R), indicates the shape of the battery, which is Round.  

The next four numbers give us information about the height and diameter. Let’s take a look at the CR2032 to see how to figure out the height and diameter. The first pair of numbers (20), is the battery’s diameter (in mm). So the CR2032 has a diameter of 20 mm. The next pair of numbers (32), is the battery’s height (again in mm). But, this value has to first be divided by 10. So, the CR2032’s height would be 3.2 mm (32/10).

Important characteristics of batteries to check if they are interchangeable

We just learnt that there is a wide variety of batteries available. Unfortunately, not all batteries are interchangeable. Checking to see if you can use one battery instead of another comes down to some important characteristics. 

These characteristics include;

• Voltage,
• Size and
• Shape

Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2016?

Yes, the CR2032 can replace two CR2016 batteries. If we look at the two batteries, we can see that both of them have the same diameter (20mm). However, if we compare the height you can see that the CR2016’s height (1.6mm) is half that of the CR2032’s (3.2mm). So, one CR2032 will be able to replace two CR2016 batteries. 

However, if only one CR2016 battery is being used, the CR2032 won’t be able to replace it. 

Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2430?

No, a CR2032 cannot be used instead of a CR2430 due to the fact that the batteries have different physical dimensions. The CR2450 has a larger diameter (4mm larger), and is smaller in height compared to the CR2032. So, the CR2032 and CR2430 are not interchangeable. 

Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2450? 00

No, the CR2032 cannot be used instead of a CR2450. Again, these two batteries do not match when it comes to physical dimension. The CR2450 is larger battery (in diameter and height) compared to the CR2032, so they are not interchangeable. 

What CR battery can a CR2032 replace?

So, out of the CR2016, CR2430, and CR2450, the CR2032 can only be used instead of the CR2016 (that is if two of them need replacing). Are they any other batteries that the CR2032 batteries can replace? As we know now this comes down to the physical dimension of the battery. So what other CR batteries are there? 

The table below shows the different CR batteries available 

Out of the batteries in the list above, the CR2012, CR2016, and CR2025 have the same diameter as the CR2032. However, they all differ in heights. We learnt earlier that the CR2032 can replace two CR2016 batteries. 
The other battery that is almost but not quite the same size that the CR2032 could potentially replace is the CR2025. The difference in height between these two batteries is 0.7mm. You might be able to squeeze the CR2032 into the battery holder meant for the CR2025.

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Batteries help provide power to many portable devices which include things like, smartphones, digital watches, portable speakers, Laptops just to name a few.

There are many types of batteries, and one of them used for smaller electronic devices is known as a Coin Cell.

Two very popular variations of the coin cell battery are the CR2016 and CR2032.

This article shall take a closer look at both batteries and put them head to head to compare key characteristics and differences. 

Types of battery

Before we delve into CR2016 vs CR2032, let’s take a quick look at the many different types of battery that help power our everyday portable electronic devices. 

This will help give you more information on what types of battery the CR2016 and CR2032 are. 

Batteries can be split up into two major categories;

• Primary (non-rechargeable)
• Secondary (rechargeable)

Primary batteries are also often referred to as disposable batteries due to the fact that after they use up all their charge, they need to be disposed of.

They are non-rechargeable. 

However, on the other hand, when a secondary battery has used up all its charge, it can be ‘recharged’ using the right type of battery charger. 

The major difference that sets apart the different types of battery are their packaging (shape and size), which include;

• 9V (rectangular)
• AA (cylindrical)
• AAA (cylindrical)
• C (cylindrical)
• D (cylindrical)
• Coin Cell 
• Flat pouch
• Lead Acid (rectangular)

Each of these batteries can come in many different chemical compositions such as Alkaline, Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Lithium, amongst the most popular. 

CR2016 and CR2032 batteries

So, when it comes to CR2016 and CR2032 batteries, they fall under the coin cell category. 

The name coin cell is aptly given due to the fact that they resemble a coin. They are also sometimes referred to as button cells.

As with many products, there are many companies that produce and sell coin cells. However, one thing that is consistent across manufacturing, is the naming convention of coin cells.

This naming convention is crucial as it gives us information of the physical aspects of the coin cell (shape and size), as well as its chemical composition. 

It typically involves two letters at the beginning, followed by four numbers.

The first letter represents the chemical composition of the battery. In this instance C indicates that the battery is composed of Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMn02).

The next letter in the sequence informs us of the shape of the battery. R here tells us that the battery is round. 

Next we have the four numbers. 

The first two numbers (20), represent the diameter (in mm) of the battery which will be 20mm.

While the last two numbers (32), represent the height of the battery. However, this number needs to be divided by 10, which gives us a height of 3.2mm. 

Key specifications of CR2016 and CR2032 batteries

Just like you have a set of characteristics (hair color, eye color, height, weight, etc), that sets you apart and makes you unique, batteries also come with a set of important specifications that set them apart.

These specifications give the battery unique characteristics which help us choose the right one for a particular application.

This is no different for the CR2016 and CR2032 batteries. 

Below is a set of important specifications which every battery has, enabling us to select the right one for the right job.

Size and Shape

The first most obvious specification of any battery is its appearance, which includes its physical dimensions and shape. 

As we learnt earlier, batteries come in a range of sizes and shapes, each having its own specific applications. 

For example, Flat pouch batteries are most commonly used for handheld mobile devices such as smartphones (due to the need for having a slim profile).

Coin cell batteries like the CR2016 and CR2032 are most associated with smaller electronics like calculators, wrist watches, car key fobs, etc, again because their size and shape fits the need of the application. 

Nominal voltage

Next on the list of important specifications, is Nominal Voltage.

Without voltage, electronic circuits would not be able to function. It is the driving force that helps push electrons (current) around a circuit. 

Voltage is produced stored within a power source such as a battery. In the case of a battery, this voltage is produced through electrochemical reactions.

Electronic devices have different power requirements, which means that they do not all operate at the same voltage and which is why batteries come in a variety of voltages.

Batteries will have what is known as a Nominal Voltage.

This is the voltage at which the battery will be able to produce full power. 

When the battery has lost some of its charge, the voltage will start to drop, which is an indication that the battery is going flat.

Capacity

You might have felt the frustration when the battery of a mobile device such as your smartphone is about to die and needs recharging.

Some batteries run out of charge fast, while others last longer.

This is governed by the Capacity of the battery, or Battery’s Capacity.

Battery capacity determines how much charge a battery is capable of storing. 

Imagine a battery like a cup of water, where the cup represents the battery, and the water represents charge.

A larger cup (battery), will be able to hold more water (charge), than a smaller cup (battery). 

However, a note has to be made, sometimes the chemical composition of the battery can also determine a battery’s capacity. 

This means that a smaller sized battery will still be able to have a lot of charge. 

Also ,the capacity of a battery can be affected by the magnitude of current  being drawn by the load. 

Chemical composition

As we just saw earlier, voltage is stored and produced in a battery via electrochemical reactions. This electrochemical reaction converts chemical energy into electrical energy.

Batteries come in many variations of chemical composition which help in producing voltage.

Each chemical composition has its own set of advantages and disadvantages for things like how they perform under certain temperatures, lifespan, discharge rate, battery capacity, to name a few.

Below are some of the most common types of chemicals used in batteries;

• Alkaline
• Nickel-Cadmium
• Nickel-Metal Hydride
• Lithium-Ion
• Lithium-Manganese Dioxide 
• Lead acid
• Zinc-Carbon

Operating temperature

Last but not least on the list of important battery specifications, is operating temperature.

Temperature plays a big role in many aspects of life. 

For example, if you are a runner, high temperatures increase your body temperature and cause you to become dehydrated which all leads to a decrease in muscle endurance.

On the other hand, colder temperatures have been shown to decrease muscle strength and metabolism.

So there is an ideal range of temperatures (that sit between a minimum and maximum value) which is ideal for the performance of runners.

Again, this is also true for batteries. 

Straying outside these minimum and maximum temperatures can affect the performance of batteries. 

In colder conditions, the chemical reactions within the battery are slowed, while hotter temperatures can reduce the lifespan of a battery.  

Closer look at CR2016 and CR2032 specifications

Let’s take a closer look at the key specifications of the CR2016 and CR2032.

CR2016 specifications:

CR2032 specifications:

CR2016 vs CR2032 – Key differences and similarities

Now that we have covered the different specifications of batteries, as well as taken a look at the specifications for the CR2016 and CR2032, we can compare the two batteries and identify key differences as well as similarities.

Key differences #1: Physical dimension

If you were holding both these batteries in your hands, even without a measuring tool such as a ruler or vernier caliper, you would still be able to notice that while both batteries share the same diameter, they vary in thickness.

The CR2032 is much thicker with a height of 3.2mm, while the slimmer CR2016 comes in at 1.6mm.

Figuring out the height of CR batteries comes down to what we learnt earlier with the naming conventions of these batteries. 

The last two numbers represent the height. 

However, to get the height (in millimeters), you have to take the two digit number and divide it by 10. 

Lucky for everyone, manufacturers have the name printed on the battery. So, if you do not have a measuring tool, you will still be able to find the height of the battery. 

Key differences #2: Capacity

The next and final difference is the capacity. 

Due to the CR2032 being bigger (physically), it has more space to hold more charge and therefore has a greater capacity. 

Specifically 145mAh more compared to the CR2016. 

Key similarities #1: Nominal voltage

While the CR2032 and CR2016 differ in physical dimension, and capacity, they do share many similarities. 

First is their nominal voltage.

Both batteries have a nominal voltage of 3 volts.

Key similarities #2: Chemical composition

There are many variations of the CR battery, as well as many companies who have a hand in manufacturing them. 

While there might be other versions of the CR coin cell batteries with different chemical compositions, the most common used is Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMn02).

Both the CR2016 and CR2032 use Lithium Manganese Dioxide.

Key similarities #3: Operating temperature

Since they share the same chemical make up, both batteries are affected by temperature in identical fashion.

They share the same range of operating temperature; 0°C (32°F) – 60°C (140°F).

Key similarities #4: Primary or Secondary

We learnt earlier that batteries fall into two major categories; Primary (non-rechargeable) or Secondary (rechargeable).

CR2016 and CR2032 batteries traditionally fall under the Primary category which means that they will have to be disposed of once they have run out of charge.

However, both are available in rechargeable versions as well, which you most likely won’t find in your local supermarket, but at specialist electronic stores. 

Are CR2016 and CR2032 batteries interchangeable?

You are possibly reading this article because you are deciding on whether to use a CR2016 or CR2032 for a certain electronic device. 

So are CR2016 and CR2032s interchangeable? 

All electronic devices have an operating voltage in which they operate safely and efficiently. Supplying a voltage outside of these parameters means you run the risk of damaging the device or not being able to power it effectively.

We now know that both batteries have a nominal voltage of 3V, which means that they both have the capability to provide a voltage of 3V to electronic devices that require that specific amount. 

However, the first hurdle to overcome before doing so is the difference in physical dimension.

Mobile electronic devices will have in-built battery holders with specific dimensions to accommodate for certain types of batteries.

For example, you might have had to replace the batteries in your TV remote before. Most of the time, these are powered by AAA batteries.

This means that they will only accept AAA batteries.

The same holds true for devices with battery holders specific to the CR2016 or CR2032. Since they vary in thickness, you might run into troubles with replacing one with the other. 

A CR2032 might be too thick for a CR2016 battery holder, and a CR2016 might be too slim for a CR2032 battery holder.

Another issue you might run into is capacity. 

If you need to power a device for long periods of time, the CR2032 is an ideal choice as it has more capacity. 

So, CR2032 and CR2016 are not interchangeable if you are trying to match capacity ratings. 

Which is a better option between a CR2016 and CR2032?

When deciding which is better, there is no clear answer.

This is due to the fact that the needs of your application will determine which battery is the most suitable. 

If your device is smaller, and requires less capacity, the CR2016 is a more logical option. On the other hand, if you require more capacity to run a device for longer, the CR2032 is the go to.

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