CR2032 vs CR2025 vs CR2016: What's the Difference?

If you have ever searched for a replacement coin-cell battery, you have probably come across CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016. At first glance, these batteries look almost identical. They are all round lithium coin-cell batteries, have a 3V nominal voltage and share the same 20mm diameter.

So, what is the difference between CR2032 vs CR2025 vs CR2016?

The main difference is their thickness and capacity. Choosing the correct battery is important because even a small difference in thickness can affect whether the battery fits correctly and makes proper contact with the device.

In this guide, we explain the differences between CR2016, CR2025 and CR2032, their dimensions, capacity, compatibility and how to choose the right battery.

CR2032 vs CR2025 vs CR2016: Quick Comparison

*Capacity varies by manufacturer and operating conditions. The figures above are Panasonic specifications.

All three batteries have the same 20mm diameter and 3V nominal voltage, but their thicknesses are different. Panasonic lists CR2016 at 1.6mm, CR2025 at 2.5mm and CR2032 at 3.2mm.

What Do CR2016, CR2025 and CR2032 Mean?

The four-digit number on a coin-cell battery helps identify its physical size.

For these batteries:

• CR2016 = approximately 20mm diameter × 1.6mm thick
• CR2025 = approximately 20mm diameter × 2.5mm thick
• CR2032 = approximately 20mm diameter × 3.2mm thick

The first two digits generally indicate the diameter, while the last two indicate the thickness.

For example, the 20 in CR2032 refers to a 20mm diameter, while 32 refers to approximately 3.2mm thickness. Panasonic explains that the four-digit model number corresponds to the battery's diameter and thickness.

CR2016 Battery: What Is It?

The CR2016 is a 3V lithium coin-cell battery measuring approximately 20mm in diameter and 1.6mm in height.

According to Panasonic specifications, a CR2016 has a nominal capacity of 90mAh.

Because it is the thinnest of the three batteries, it is designed for devices where the battery compartment accommodates a thinner coin cell.

CR2016 specifications

• Voltage: 3V
• Diameter: 20mm
• Thickness: 1.6mm
• Nominal capacity: 90mAh

Always check the manufacturer's recommended battery before replacing a CR2016 with another battery. You can easily buy CR2016 watch battery from Thatwatchshop.

Also Know: Watch Battery Replacement Tools Explained

CR2025 Battery: What Is It?

The CR2025 is also a 3V lithium coin-cell battery with a 20mm diameter, but it is thicker than the CR2016.

Its thickness is approximately 2.5mm, and Panasonic lists a nominal capacity of 165mAh for its CR2025.

CR2025 specifications

• Voltage: 3V
• Diameter: 20mm
• Thickness: 2.5mm
• Nominal capacity: 165mAh

CR2025 batteries are used in various compact electronic devices. The exact application depends on the device manufacturer's design and specifications. You can easily buy CR2025 watch battery from Thatwatchshop.

CR2032 Battery: What Is It?

The CR2032 is the thickest of these three common 20mm coin-cell batteries.

It has:

• 3V nominal voltage
• 20mm diameter
• 3.2mm thickness
• 225mAh nominal capacity in Panasonic's specification

Because the CR2032 is thicker and has a higher nominal capacity than the CR2016 and CR2025 in the cited Panasonic specifications, it should only be used where the device is designed for a CR2032. You can easily buy CR2032 watch battery from Thatwatchshop.

What Is the Main Difference Between CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016?

The biggest difference is thickness.

CR2016 vs CR2025

Both batteries are 20mm in diameter and have a 3V nominal voltage.

However:

• CR2016 = 1.6mm thick
• CR2025 = 2.5mm thick

The CR2025 is therefore 0.9mm thicker than the CR2016.

CR2025 vs CR2032

Both are also 20mm in diameter and rated at 3V.

However:

• CR2025 = 2.5mm thick
• CR2032 = 3.2mm thick

The CR2032 is 0.7mm thicker.

CR2016 vs CR2032

The difference is even greater:

• CR2016 = 1.6mm
• CR2032 = 3.2mm

The CR2032 is twice as thick as the CR2016.

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Can You Use a CR2032 Instead of a CR2025?

Not necessarily.

Although both batteries have a 20mm diameter and 3V nominal voltage, the CR2032 is thicker than the CR2025.

If the battery compartment is designed specifically for a CR2025, a CR2032 may not fit correctly.

Battery manufacturers advise against substituting different coin-cell model numbers simply because they have similar specifications. The battery compartment and device circuitry are designed around specific battery dimensions and electrical characteristics.

Can You Use a CR2025 Instead of a CR2032?

Again, you should not assume they are interchangeable.

A CR2025 is thinner than a CR2032. If a device requires a CR2032, using a thinner CR2025 may result in poor contact or inadequate performance.

The correct approach is to use the battery model specified by the device manufacturer.

Can You Use a CR2016 Instead of a CR2025?

A CR2016 is thinner than a CR2025, even though both have the same 20mm diameter and 3V nominal voltage.

Using a thinner battery can cause the battery contacts to lose proper pressure against the cell, depending on the device design.

Therefore, CR2016 and CR2025 should not automatically be considered interchangeable.

Why Can't You Simply Use Any 20mm Battery?

It can be tempting to think that all 20mm batteries are interchangeable because they have the same diameter.

However, the thickness is an important part of the battery specification.

For example:

CR2016 → 20mm × 1.6mm

CR2025 → 20mm × 2.5mm

CR2032 → 20mm × 3.2mm

A battery compartment is designed around a particular physical size. A battery that is too thick may not fit, while one that is too thin may not maintain reliable contact.

Panasonic specifically advises using the model number specified for the device rather than substituting batteries with different model numbers.

Which Battery Lasts Longer: CR2016, CR2025 or CR2032?

Battery life depends on the device, current consumption, operating conditions and battery manufacturer.

However, the three batteries have different nominal capacities in Panasonic's published specifications:

• CR2016: 90mAh
• CR2025: 165mAh
• CR2032: 225mAh

This means a CR2032 has a greater nominal capacity than a CR2025 or CR2016 in this particular specification.

However, higher capacity does not mean you can substitute a CR2032 for another battery. The device must be designed to accept the CR2032's dimensions and electrical characteristics.

Are CR2016, CR2025 and CR2032 All 3V?

Yes. Standard versions of all three batteries have a 3V nominal voltage.

But voltage alone does not determine compatibility.

You also need to consider:

• Battery dimensions
• Battery chemistry
• Capacity
• Device design
• Contact configuration
• Manufacturer recommendations

This is why choosing a battery based only on voltage can lead to an incorrect replacement.

How to Choose the Right Battery

Before buying a replacement coin-cell battery, follow these steps:

1. Check the Existing Battery

If possible, look at the number printed on the existing battery.

It may say CR2016, CR2025 or CR2032.

2. Check the Device Manual

The manufacturer's instructions should identify the recommended battery.

3. Check the Battery Compartment

Some devices have the required battery number printed inside the compartment.

4. Don't Choose Based Only on Diameter

Remember that all three batteries discussed in this guide are 20mm in diameter, but they have different thicknesses.

5. Check the Exact Battery Specification

Make sure the replacement matches the required model number before purchasing.

Know More: How to Find the Right Battery for Your Watch: A Complete Guide

CR2032 vs CR2025 vs CR2016: Which One Should You Buy?

There isn't one battery that is universally better than the others.

The right battery is the one specified for your device.

Choose:

• CR2016 if your device specifically requires CR2016.
• CR2025 if your device specifies CR2025.
• CR2032 if your device requires CR2032.

Even though they are all 3V lithium coin cells with a 20mm diameter, their different thicknesses mean they should not be treated as interchangeable.

Where to Buy CR2016, CR2025 and CR2032 Batteries in New Zealand

If you're looking for replacement batteries in New Zealand, That Watch Shop offers a range of watch and coin-cell batteries in different sizes and specifications.

You can browse the Watch Batteries collection to find available options, including CR2016, CR2025 and CR2032 batteries.

Before ordering, check the battery number printed on your existing battery or consult the manufacturer's specifications to make sure you select the correct replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CR2032 the same as CR2025?

No. Both are 3V lithium coin-cell batteries with a 20mm diameter, but CR2032 is thicker than CR2025. CR2032 is approximately 3.2mm thick, while CR2025 is approximately 2.5mm thick.

Is CR2025 the same as CR2016?

No. Both are approximately 20mm in diameter and have a 3V nominal voltage, but CR2025 is thicker than CR2016.

Can I replace CR2032 with CR2025?

You should only do so if the device manufacturer specifically indicates that the alternative is compatible. Otherwise, use the exact battery model specified for the device.

Can I replace CR2025 with CR2016?

Do not assume they are interchangeable. CR2016 is thinner than CR2025, which can affect physical contact and device operation.

Which has the highest capacity: CR2016, CR2025 or CR2032?

In Panasonic's published specifications, CR2032 has the highest nominal capacity at 225mAh, followed by CR2025 at 165mAh and CR2016 at 90mAh. Actual performance varies by application and operating conditions.

Final Thoughts

The differences between CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 may seem small, but they are important when choosing a replacement battery.

All three are 3V lithium coin cells with a 20mm diameter, but their thicknesses are different:

CR2016 = 1.6mm

CR2025 = 2.5mm

CR2032 = 3.2mm

The best way to avoid compatibility problems is to check the battery number recommended by your watch or device rather than choosing a battery based only on appearance, diameter or voltage.