CR2025 vs CR2032: Which one should you choose?

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Do you find the numbers associated with various batteries somewhat confusing? This article is going to tell you what those numbers mean as well as discuss the features and uses of the CR2025 vs CR2032 batteries.

You might be wondering why we have chosen the CR2032 rather than the DL2032. CR is a generic brand name. DL refers to a 2032 battery from Duracell. So the two batteries are completely interchangeable.

CR2025 vs CR2032

CR2025 vs CR2032 uses

Both the CR2025 and the CR2032 are coin type or button batteries. They are used in devices that require nominal voltage, such as:

Wrist watches
Pocket calculator
Key fob
Children’s toys
Garage door opener

You will be able to use a CR2025 battery or a CR2032 in any device that requires this type of battery.

CR2025 vs CR2032 battery type

These button batteries are 3V lithium batteries, so again, they share this feature.

So what’s the difference?

Battery thickness

The difference is in the thickness of the battery. The numbers also provide us useful information about this! The CR2025 has a diameter of 20mm and a thickness of 2.5mm, hence the number 2025. As you can imagine now, the CR2032 has a diameter of 20mm and a thickness of 3.2mm. As it’s the diameter that matters when fitting a new button cell battery into the battery compartment, you can see that there is no difference.

mAh

mAh stands for milliampere-hour. With regards to batteries, it is an indicator of the battery life and how long the appliance or device will run for before you need to change the button battery.

The CR2025 generally has a 165mAh and the CR2032 has a slightly higher mAh of 225. Depending on how frequently the device is used, it might be worth choosing the CR2032 battery.

CR2025 vs CR2032 by brand

Some people just want a coin cell battery that fits and works, others are more interested in the specifics. Here are some of the most popular coin cell brands and details of each battery.

The CR2025 Battery

Energizer – it has a mAh of 163. It will hold its charge for up to 8 years on storage. A pack of 5 is good value for money for a recognized brand.

CELEWELL– this pack of 5 is a slightly more expensive option but is well suited for smart trackers. The mAh rating is 170+

Eunicell– another pack of 5 but a very cheap option. It has a 150 mAh and a shelf life of 1 to 2 years.

The CR2032 Battery

Energizer– with a 240 mAh and is advertised as long-lasting. They also come in a pack of 5 with a similar price to the CR2025

LiCB – it has a shelf life of 3 years and a 240mAh. They are mercury-free and ROHS certified. This comes on a pack of 10 and is great value for money.

ExcellBattery– a pack of 4 and has an average price on the market, each battery has a mAh of 225mAh.

Are CR2025 and CR2032 interchangeable?

If you need to replace the CR2032 battery but only have the CR2025 can you use it or are you forced to purchase a CR2032? That is a good question because these batteries are very similar. Their voltage, discharge current and diameter are similar but battery capacity and thickness are different. Does this prevent you from now using the CR2025 as a viable replacement? In short, the answer is no. If the CR2025 fits, it can replace the CR2032 though the higher capacity of the CR2032 would last longer. Would the thinner CR2025 cause it to lose contact? Not if you follow this hack! Simply fold a small piece of aluminum foil on the positive side of the battery to fill up the space and you should be good.

In Summary

There is very little difference in the CR2025 and the CR2032. As you probably expected, coin battery shelf life differ by brand. As they say, “You get what you pay for”. The only real difference when comparing brands is in the mAh. When shopping for these batteries we recommend getting a pack of at least 5. It works about to be cheaper and saves you a bit of hassle.