The Differences Between CR2025 and CR2032 Lithium Batteries Explained

Lithium batteries are essential components in many of today’s electronic devices, from watches and calculators to medical devices and toys. Among the various types available, two commonly encountered models are the CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. While they look similar and serve similar purposes, understanding their key differences is crucial to ensuring optimal performance in your devices.

What are CR2025 and CR2032 Batteries?

The CR2025 and CR2032 batteries are both lithium coin-type cells that provide 3 volts of energy. The numbers in their names indicate their size: the first two digits represent the diameter in millimeters, while the last two digits represent the thickness. Thus, a CR2025 has a diameter of 20 mm and a thickness of 2.5 mm, whereas a CR2032 has the same diameter but is thicker at 3.2 mm.

Despite their similar appearance and voltage, these slight differences in thickness can lead to significant variations in capacity and compatibility.

Key Specifications

Voltage: Both CR2025 and CR2032 batteries have a nominal voltage of 3V.

Dimensions:

CR2025: 20 mm diameter, 2.5 mm thickness

CR2032: 20 mm diameter, 3.2 mm thickness

Capacity:

CR2025 typically has a capacity of about 150 mAh (milliamp hours)

CR2032 usually has a capacity of around 220 mAh

The Impact of Thickness

The primary difference in the thickness of these batteries leads to the variations in their capacity. Because the CR2032 is thicker, it can accommodate more active material, resulting in a higher capacity and, consequently, a longer life when used in the same applications. This means that if your device can fit either battery, opting for a CR2032 may provide you with longer usage before needing to replace it.

Compatibility Considerations

When it comes to compatibility, the general rule of thumb is that if the CR2032 battery fits in your device, using it instead of a CR2025 is typically safe and can yield better performance due to its higher capacity. However, if a device specifically requires a CR2025, do not substitute it with a CR2032, as this could potentially lead to fit issues due to the increased thickness.

Conversely, devices designed for the CR2032 battery should not use a CR

Since the latter has less capacity, it may not provide power for the duration your device requires.

Applications and Uses

Both CR2025 and CR2032 batteries are widely used across various applications:

CR2025:

Remote controls

Digital watches

Key fobs

Some medical devices

CR2032:

Computer motherboards (especially for BIOS settings)

Various types of watches

Fitness devices

Gaming controllers

It’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for battery types to ensure device compatibility and optimum performance.

Storage and Handling

Regardless of the type, proper storage and handling of lithium batteries are vital to maximize their shelf life and performance:

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Keep batteries in their original packaging until ready to use.

Avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can impact their performance.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between CR2025 and CR2032 lithium batteries can make a significant difference in device efficiency and longevity. Although they share many similarities, their variations in size and capacity can affect their performance in specific applications. Always ensure you are using the correct battery type recommended for your device. By doing so, you will save time, money, and effort in battery replacements and enjoy uninterrupted usage of your devices.