CR2025 vs CR2032: A Complete Battery Comparison Guide

If you ever need to replace the battery in your remote, digital scale, or watch, you may have come across and gotten confused between CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. They look nearly identical, but the difference in thickness (2.5mm vs. 3.2mm) can impact whether they fit properly or power your device efficiently. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between CR2025 vs CR2032 to help you decide which one is right for your needs.

What is a CR2025 Battery?

The CR2025 is a small, coin-shaped lithium battery commonly found in many compact electronic devices. The "CR" designation indicates it's a lithium battery, "20" refers to its 20mm diameter, and "25" means it's 2.5mm thick. This thin design makes it perfect for compact gadgets like slim remote controls, fitness trackers, and key fobs where saving space is essential.

CR2025 battery specifications

Feature	Details
Battery Type	Lithium Coin Cell
Chemistry	Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO₂)
Voltage	3.0 V
Capacity	150 - 170 mAh
Diameter	20 mm
Thickness	2.5 mm
Weight	About 2.6 grams
Operating Temperature Range	-30°C to +60°C (The range can be slightly different from brands)
Self-Discharge Rate	Less than 1% per year
Common Uses	Remotes, watches, fitness trackers
Continuous Discharge Current	Up to 0.5mA
Max Pulse Discharge Current	Up to 10-15mA
Typical Applications	Car key fobs, thin calculators, small wearable devices, compact gadgets

What is CR2032 Battery?

The CR2032 is another lithium coin cell battery similar to the CR2025 but with a thicker profile. Like the CR2025, the "CR" indicates lithium chemistry and "20" refers to its 20mm diameter, but the "32" means it's 3.2mm thick. This extra thickness allows CR2032 to hold more energy and provide higher energy capacity, making it suitable for devices requiring longer battery life or more power, such as computer motherboards, medical devices or LED keychains.

CR2032 battery specifications:

Feature	Details
Battery type	Lithium coin cell
Chemistry	Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO₂)
Voltage	3.0 V
Capacity	Approximately 210-240 mAh
Diameter	20mm
Thickness	3.2mm
Weight	Around 3.0 grams
Operating Temperature Range	-30°C to 60°C
Self-Discharge Rate	About 1% per year
Continuous Discharge Current	Up to 0.8mA
Max Pulse Discharge Current	Up to 15-20mA
Typical Applications	Watches, computer motherboards, glucose meters, digital thermometers, toys, LED keychains

6 Key Similarities Between CR2025 vs CR2032

It’s no surprise people get confused CR2025 and CR2032 since they look almost the same and often power the same types of devices. From voltage to chemical makeup, these tiny power sources have a lot in common. Let’s break it down.

Voltage

Both CR2025 and CR2032 deliver a steady 3V, making them electrically compatible in many devices. This means that for low-drain electronics, such as remote controls, or calculator, either battery can often work, as long as the device’s battery compartment can physically accommodate the size.

Chemical Composition

CR2025 and CR2032 use lithium manganese dioxide (Li/MnO₂) chemistry, which ensures reliable and long-lasting performance, even under varying temperatures and usage conditions. The Li/MnO₂ chemistry also contributes to a low self-discharge rate, allowing these batteries to maintain their charge for years when stored properly.

Shelf Life

With their low self-discharge rate of approximately 1% annually, CR2025 and CR2032 batteries have a long shelf life of 5 to 10 years when stored properly in cool, dry environments. Their extended longevity and reliability makes them excellent for backup devices or occasional use applications.

Applications

Both battery types are widely used in small electronic devices due to their reliability and compact size. Common applications include remote controls, health monitoring devices, watches, and various small electronic gadgets.

Environmentally Friendly

The two batteries are environmentally friendlier than some other battery types, lightweight, and provide consistent performance. They don't contain mercury and have relatively low environmental impact compared to older battery technologies.

Safe and Reliable

CR2025 and CR2032 batteries are engineered for safety and reliability, including built-in protection against common issues such as overheating, leakage, and short-circuiting. With stable chemical composition and quality, they are safe for everyday use in items like watches, remotes, medical devices, and key fobs.

Operating Temperature Range

Both CR2025 and CR2032 function well across temperatures from -30°C to 60°C, making them versatile for use in varying environmental conditions throughout the year.

7 Key Differences Between CR2025 vs CR2032

They may look alike, but CR2025 and CR2032 differ in several key aspects that can affect compatibility and performance. Small changes, like how thick they are or how much power they hold, can affect how well they work in your device. Let’s explore what really sets them apart.

Here’s a comparison table:

Feature	CR2025	CR2032
Diameter	20 mm, 2.5 mm thick	20 mm, 3.2 mm thick
Capacity	150-170 mAh	210-240 mAh
Weight	~2.6 grams	~3.0 grams
Duration	Shorter battery life	Longer battery life
Performance	Low-drain devices	Higher-drain devices
Cost	Slightly cheaper	Slightly more expensive
Availability	Less common	More widely available

Dimensions

Both CR2025 and CR2032 have the same 20mm diameter, but differ in thickness—CR2025 is 2.5mm, while CR2032 is 3.2mm. This 0.7mm difference can affect whether the battery fits properly. Thinner CR2025 batteries suit compact devices with limited space, while thicker CR2032 batteries offer more capacity and are ideal for devices that need longer battery life.

Capacity

The CR2032 offers higher capacity (210 - 240 mAh) compared to the CR2025 (150 - 170 mAh). This approximately 40% higher capacity means CR2032 batteries can power devices significantly longer under the same conditions.

Weight

CR2032 is slightly heavier at around 3.0 grams, while CR2025 typically ranges from 2.3 to 2.6 grams, depending on the brand. This difference comes from CR2032’s added thickness. While the difference is minimal, it can matter in weight-sensitive devices. If weight isn’t a concern, either can be used depending on the device's size and power needs.

Duration

Which battery lasts longer CR2025 or CR2032? The answer is CR2032. The CR2032 battery lasts longer than the CR2025 because it has a higher capacity - 210mAh compared to 150mAh. This means it provides more power over time, making it ideal for devices that need consistent, long-term performance.

Performance

While both batteries perform similarly in low-drain devices, the CR2032 generally handles higher-drain applications better thanks to its greater capacity and slightly better current handling capabilities. The CR2032 is commonly used in car keys, electronic watches, medical devices, and security systems, where reliability is crucial, and battery changes should be infrequent. Meanwhile, the CR2025, with its lower capacity, works well in calculators, toys, hearing aids, and key fobs, which require less power and can be replaced more easily.

Cost

The price difference between these batteries is minimal. While CR2025 batteries typically cost between $0.50 to $1.00 and are a budget-friendly choice for low-power or occasional-use devices, CR2032 batteries are slightly pricier at $0.70 to $1.50 with higher capacity and longer lifespan for better long-term value for frequently used electronics.

Availability

The CR2032 is generally more widely available in stores compared to the CR2025, as it's used in a broader range of devices like glucose meters, car key fobs, and computer motherboards. However, many gadgets - including remote controls used in Hirosart resin lamps - can operate with either CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, giving you flexible options for replacement.

Watch the Hirosart lamp remote in action here to see how it works:

Overall, the main difference between CR2025 and CR2032 lies in thickness and capacity, with CR2032 being thicker and therefore requiring more physical space but offering greater power capacity, making it better suited for devices that require more power or longer battery life.

Are CR2025 and CR2032 Batteries Interchangeable?

Yes, in most cases, CR2025 and CR2032 batteries can be used interchangeably, but with some important considerations:

When Using CR2025 Instead of CR2032:

• The CR2025 will fit in the space but might be too thin (by 0.7mm), potentially causing loose connections.
• Your device will work but with shorter battery life due to the CR2025's lower capacity.
• Emergency Tip: If you only have a CR2025 available, you can fold a small piece of aluminum foil and place it on the positive (+) side of the battery to fill the extra space. This ensures good contact with the battery terminals. While not an ideal long-term solution, this works well for emergencies.

When Using CR2032 Instead of CR2025:

• The thicker CR2032 might not fit properly in spaces designed specifically for the thinner CR2025.
• If it does fit, you'll benefit from longer battery life thanks to the higher capacity.

Both batteries have the same voltage and diameter, making them electrically compatible in most devices. In emergency situations, these batteries can substitute for each other, but for optimal performance and device safety, it's best to use the battery type recommended by your device manufacturer.

How to Choose Between CR2025 and CR2032 for Your Device Needs

When it comes to selecting a coin cell battery, it's not just about finding one that fits but matching the right specs to your device’s needs for better performance and longer life. Here’s how to make the best choice for your gadget.

Understand Size and Capacity

First, consider the physical constraints of your device. If space is extremely limited, the thinner CR2025 (2.5mm) with less energy (150-170 mAh) may be your only option. For devices with more room, the thicker CR2032 (3.2mm) and higher capacity (210-240 mAh) makes it the better choice for longer battery life.

Consider Device Requirements

Most electronic devices specify which battery type they require in the user manual or on the device itself. Always check your device's manual or the battery compartment for recommended battery types, as using the wrong size could damage your device or create safety issues.

Check Battery Life and Performance

If your device is used frequently or consumes more power, the CR2032's higher capacity will provide longer operation between battery changes. For devices used occasionally or with low power requirements, a CR2025 might be sufficient.

Analyze Physical and Design Restrictions

Some devices require specific battery thicknesses since using the wrong thickness can damage the device or prevent proper contact. For instance, watches and slim remotes typically need the thinner CR2025, while larger devices can use the thicker CR2032.

Cost and Availability

CR2032 batteries tend to cost a bit more than CR2025, but the price difference is small compared to their longer lifespan. They’re also more commonly available in stores and online, which can be a factor if you need a quick replacement. Consider both your budget and availability when making the decision between CR2025 vs CR2032.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both CR2025 and CR2032 are reliable lithium coin batteries with the same voltage and chemistry, but differ in thickness and capacity. However, CR2032 lasts longer due to its higher capacity, while CR2025 is thinner and better suited for compact spaces. Choose based on your device’s size, power needs, and replacement frequency. If needed, CR2025 can often stand in for CR2032 temporarily, but always check what your device recommends.