CR2032 vs CR2025: Which to Choose?

Whether it’s your car key fob, digital watch, or kitchen scale, coin cell batteries are an important source of power for these devices. The CR2032 and CR2025 are two of the most common types, but many people don’t know the difference between them. Does size matter? What are the performance differences? How do you choose the best one for your device?

This article will take a deep dive into the characteristics of CR2032 and CR2025 batteries to help you make an informed choice.

Part 1. What does CR stand for?

First, let’s understand what the “CR” prefix means. “CR” stands for lithium coin cell, which uses lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2) as the main chemical component. This chemical material gives the battery a stable output voltage and provides a long storage life of typically 5 to 10 years.

In contrast, other coin cell batteries may use different chemistries, such as:

• “LR” (alkaline battery)

• “SR” (silver oxide battery)

So when you see the “CR” logo, you know it’s a lithium battery designed for low-power, long-life applications.

Part 2. What is a CR2032 battery?

The CR2032 lithium coin cell battery is one of the most widely used button batteries, favored for its balanced size and capacity. As you can see from the naming convention:

• The first two digits "20" represent the battery's 20 mm diameter

• The last two digits "32" represent the battery's 3.2 mm thickness

CR2032 button cell batteries are highly regarded for their high capacity, with a voltage of 3v, typically between 210 mAh and 240 mAh, making them ideal for devices that require longer-lasting power. From medical devices like blood glucose monitors to everyday items like car key fobs and small remote controls, CR2032 batteries provide reliable power, even in colder conditions where other batteries may fail.

Part 3. Understanding CR2025 Batteries

The CR2025 is also part of the CR series of button batteries, and the "2025" in its name means:

• Diameter: 20 mm

• Thickness: 2.5 mm (slightly thinner than the CR2032)

Due to their smaller capacity and 3v voltage, typically between 210 mAh and 240 mAh, CR2025 button cell batteries may not last as long as their thicker counterparts, especially in devices that require a steady supply of power. However, they are still very effective in low-power devices such as watches, small remote controls, and some medical devices such as thermometers.

Part 4. CR2032 vs. CR2025: Which is Better?

There is no absolute "better" choice when it comes to choosing between a CR2032 and a CR2025. It really depends on your specific needs. If your device requires a battery with a larger capacity and longer life, such as a car key fob or medical device, then the CR2032 button cell battery would be your first choice. On the other hand, if your device has a more compact battery compartment or requires minimal power consumption, then a CR2025 button cell battery may be a better fit.

Part 5. How do I choose the right battery?

The choice between a CR2032 or CR2025 depends largely on the power requirements of the device and the available space in the battery compartment. For example, if your device manual specifies the use of a CR2025, it may be due to size constraints. In this case, using a CR2032 (even if it has a higher capacity) may not be a good fit. When replacing batteries, it is recommended to refer to the device manual to ensure that the selected battery meets the requirements.

Part 6. Are CR2032 and CR2025 interchangeable?

In many cases, it is not possible to replace a CR2025 with a CR2032, but this depends on the device's battery compartment. Since the CR2032 is thicker, it may not fit into a compartment designed for the thinner CR2025.

Part 7. Are CR2032 and CR2025 rechargeable?

Generally, CR2032 and CR2025 batteries are disposable and not rechargeable. If they become depleted, they should be properly recycled.

In general, it is best to use the battery type specified in the device manual for optimal performance and safety.