Many people have been asking the difference between a CR2025 and a CR2032. One of the first differences is their size, as 2025 is smaller than its successor at 3/4 inch by 5/8 inch. The other main difference is that they are not interchangeable as 2025 has a contact for three volts while 2032 has one for two volts. They also have different uses: 2025 can be used in watches, calculators, remote controls, and toys while its predecessor can be found in cameras or smoke detectors.
In this blog post, expert electricians will discuss the difference between CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. They will go into detail about their differences, as well as how you can use them in a variety of situations. You may be wondering why there are two different types of these popular batteries on the market – each with its own benefits and disadvantages. This post is going to answer all your questions!
Similarities between CR2025 vs. CR2032 Batteries
The CR2025 and CR2032 batteries are very similar in shape, size, and appearance. If you use any battery comparison chart to compare the two types of coin cell batteries they will look almost identical. The tiniest difference is that one has an extra notch on it that makes them slightly different but not by much. You can still place either type into your device without any issues at all as long as it fits inside the compartment for your device’s particular make and model.
Both CR2025 and CR2032:
- last up to 5 times longer than alkaline batteries;
- are commonly found in wristwatches (and similar);
- have expiration dates two decades later than an unused conventional coin cell would expire;
- fit into most watch cases that were originally designed for use with disposable button cells;
- do not contain mercury or cadmium like many old rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries did;
- are not rechargeable;
- can be obtained just about everywhere;
- do not contain mercury/cadmium like older NiMH batteries;
Differences between CR2025 vs. CR2032 Batteries
These coin cell batteries differ in 2 main ways, despite being very similar to each other. The key difference between these two coin cell batteries is their size.
A standard CR2032 measures 20mm in diameter, while the smaller version’s dimensions are 16 mm x 0.59 mm. Despite being slightly larger than its counterpart, the common variant contains more energy with 185 mAh compared to only 150 mAh on average for an Alkaline Cellular Battery of this size.
This means that it has more power output potential over time that makes it perfect for watches or calculators requiring continuous use even when not frequently used. The lower capacity of the Lithium Cell Coin Batteries prevents them from having sufficient current for long periods but they are able to provide sufficient current for short periods.
One more difference is that the battery voltage of a CR2032 is slightly higher than that of a CR2025 that means it will give your device just that much more power before needing to be replaced or recharged even though they are both still considered low-power devices compared to an alkaline AA battery for example.
Another difference is the fact that one has an extra notch on it and this makes them slightly different but not by much so you can place either type into your device without any issues at all as long as it fits inside its compartment for your particular make and model.
Factors to Consider When Using a CR2032 Instead of a CR2025
Voltage
The CR2025 is typically used in low power applications, while the CR2032 can be found powering higher energy devices. This means that the voltage for which they are designed may change. For example, a device that functions on 12V would need to use a lithium battery of at least 2032 size rather than one using 2025 batteries because it requires more juice from its power source.
The same goes with anything requiring fewer volts as well; if your application needs say, only three volts instead of 6-9 – you will also want to choose 2032 over 2025. In these types of instances, you must make sure your design uses as many cells as there are required by the preferred requirement (i.e., replacing two 2025 batteries with a single 2032).
Current
If you are designing an electronic device that requires high current, it is also best to use the CR2032 battery instead of 2025. This is because they typically come in higher amperage (mAh), which means more energy can be stored using fewer batteries at a time; this helps make room for any additional circuitry needed for your design.
When considering how many cells to use, remember that lower voltage devices require more cells than their equivalent with a higher one. For example, if your previous 12V application used two terminals on its circuit board and each terminal required nine volts (two series of three V connected together) then you would need four CR2025s rather than just two 2032s since there are twice as many individual Volta cells in the 2025 battery.
If you are still unsure of which one to choose, it is best, either way, to use CR2032s instead of 2025 batteries since they have a higher energy density per volume and last longer with regular usage.
Current capacity
The CR2032 is also preferable if your electronic device requires a higher current capacity. If you are designing an application that needs say, 10 amps instead of 3-5 – it is best to use 2032s rather than 2025 batteries since they can provide more power in fewer cells at once.
In the same way, if you need a higher current capacity from your device than what 2025 batteries can provide, then it is also wise to use 2032s instead. If you are unsure of how many cells will be needed for your application and whether or not to choose CR2025 vs. CR2032 – it may be best just to go with 2032s all around since they last longer and do not require so much space in comparison.
The voltage difference between 2025 and 2032 does not really play a part when deciding which one to get; both have about 6 volts while operating normally (without being drained). The main factor that should influence this choice is energy density: how long each battery lasts depends on its size (mAh), the amount of power that can be stored in each cell.
Thus, it is best to use CR2032s instead of 2025 batteries for applications requiring higher current capacity and any device needing higher voltage than what the 2025 battery provides.
Comparison of CR2025 vs. CR2032 Batteries
In this table, we will compare the CR2025 and CR2032 batteries based on their voltage, capacity, dimensions, and other important indicators.
| Battery Type | Voltage (V) | Capacity (mAh) | Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR2025 | 3 | 160 | 20 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| CR2032 | 3 | 225 | 20 | 3.2 | 3.0 |
The table shows a comparison of two types of batteries – CR2025 and CR2032. Both of these batteries have the same voltage rating of 3V, which is the most common voltage rating for button cell batteries.
The capacity of CR2032 battery is higher than that of CR2025, which means it can last longer before needing to be replaced. The CR2032 has a capacity of 225mAh, while the CR2025 has a capacity of 160mAh.
The diameter of both batteries is the same, which is 20mm. However, the CR2032 is taller than the CR2025, with a height of 3.2mm compared to the 2.5mm of CR2025. Additionally, the CR2032 is slightly heavier than the CR2025 with a weight of 3.0g compared to the 2.5g of CR2025.
In conclusion, the CR2032 battery has a higher capacity and is slightly larger and heavier than the CR2025 battery. It is important to consider these differences when choosing a battery for your electronic device, especially if you need a battery with a longer lifespan.
Check more guides to improve your knowledge in electronics:
- CR2016 vs. CR2032 Batteries
- What is the Final Charge on the Capacitor?
- How to Charge Capacitor Without Resistor?
FAQ
What is a coin cell?
A coin cell, or button battery as it’s sometimes called, refers to the small, round batteries typically found in wristwatches and hearing aids. They can also be used for keyless entry systems on cars and other types of electronics.
What are common uses for CR2025 and CR2032 batteries?
CR2025 and CR2032 batteries are used for many devices including car key fobs, medical equipment, watches, digital scales, game controllers, and more. These batteries can be found everywhere! So whether you’re looking for replacements or just want some out-of-stock items on this list at home; these two batteries will never let you down.
Can you use a 2032 battery in place of 2025?
Yes, the 2032 battery is a bigger brother of the 2025 and it works in most devices that use a CR2025 battery. The only difference between these two batteries is their size: while 2025 has a diameter of 0.45 inches and height of 0.04 inches, 2032 measures 0.47 x 0.03 inches.
Is it okay to use the CR2032 in your watch if you’ve been using a CR2025? It is not recommended because you are putting your battery at risk. However, it should be okay as long as you make sure that none of its parts have come into contact with metal objects or other batteries before being used. If this has happened, don’t put the new one in until everything has dried completely and placed it somewhere without humidity for up to 24 hours just to be safe.
What battery can replace CR2025?
CR2032 is a popular battery alternative to CR2025. They are often used in calculators, watches, sensors, and other electronic devices. If you have lost the original CR2025 battery from your device or want to replace it with something of better quality, then you can use this alternative instead. A CR2032 battery has practically the same dimensions as the CR2025 and is often used for similar purposes.
The most significant difference between these two batteries is their voltage. A CR2025 holds a voltage of about up to 220 mAh whereas a CR2032 can reach up to 300mAh. This means that if your device needs a high power capacity then you should choose a CR2032 over a CR2025 model.
How long does a CR2025 battery last?
CR2025 batteries have a capacity of 220 mAh and last for about 3 years.
CR2032 batteries have a capacity of 315 mAh, but will also die after 3 years as well.
Both types are frequently used in watches and other small devices where the battery is expected to last at least half a decade before being replaced.
Is CR1616 the same as CR2025?
It is a common misconception that CR1616 and CR2025 are the same battery type. In reality, they have similar physical dimensions but different electrical properties as well as different capacities. While both batteries measure 20 mm in diameter by 16 mm thick, their weight differs significantly with the CR2025 weighing around twice as much as its smaller “cousin” at about 32 grams each versus 15 grams for a CR1616.
What is the best CR2025 battery?
There are many brands. For example, RAYOVAC’s CR2025 is a great option. This battery can be used in many devices including:
- Wireless keyboards and mice;
- Keyless entry systems, garage door openers, and car alarm remotes;
- Home electronics such as wall clocks and cordless phones;
- Calculators;
- Thermostats;
- PDA;
How do you test a 2025 battery?
A 2025 battery is one of the most common coin cell batteries for watches and calculators. It’s also easy to test using a multimeter. You can check the voltage of 2025 batteries with your meter, but you’ll need to know if it is not working correctly before testing this way because there are many similar voltages that indicate the battery has failed or will fail soon.
If you turn on your watch and find that it doesn’t work properly – for example, displaying an error message instead of showing correct time – then chances are good that either one or both cells in its 2-cell 2025 battery have died. If only one cell appears dead, try replacing them one at a time by pulling out the old cell first and inserting a new one next after checking voltage again before putting it back together.
One last thing about testing 2025 button cells: be sure to put your meter in the correct mode or you will not get an accurate reading! If you’re using a digital multimeter, it’s usually in volts mode by default and can be switched to other modes such as current (amps), resistance (ohms), and diode test.