CR2016 vs CR2025: Which Coin Battery is Right for Your?

CR2016 battery and CR2025 battery are generally used button batteries. There are some difference in their looks and uses. It is important to know the differences between the batteries before you decide which to use. What is the difference Between CR2016 Battery & CR2025 Batteries? Here, we break down the terms and explain how the features of each container can be used.

CR2025 battery has approximately 170 milliamp-hour capacity, and the CR2016 battery has a capacity of about 90 milliamp-hour [1]. Due to these differences, The CR2025 is suitable for devices with a higher current consumption, such as small toys, cameras, and remote controls.

 

CR2016 Battery Overview

What is CR2016 Battery?

With its ultra-thin profile, the CR2016 battery is a 3V lithium battery and is an ideal choice for a variety of small electronics, including small toys and games, watches, and glucose monitors. It's frequently used in small electronics that don't have adequate room for anything larger.

Dimensions

The CR2016 is a 20mm coin type lithium battery and is ideal for iPhone backup.

Specification	CR2016
Diameter	20 mm
Height	1.6 mm

Features:

• Good pulse capability 
• High discharge characteristics
• Stable voltage level during discharge
• Long-term reliability

 Applications:

• Remote controls
• Watches
• Fitness trackers
• Medical devices (like glucose monitors)

CR2025 Battery Overview

What is CR2025?

Another common 3V lithium coin cell battery is the CR2025, which is very similar to the CR2016 but is a bit thicker. This additional thickness enables the cell to provide higher capacity and the cell is also ideal for high current discharges because of its lower impedance than that of the standard cells.
CR2025 batteries  has a diameter of 20mm and a height of 2.5mm, a capacity normally falls at the range of 160mAh to 170mAh depending on the manufacturer. It has a high energy density and very stable voltage output as well as long shelf life and long operating time, this is great for you want to use it in hot or cold temperature and it can last a very long time for key fobs, calculators, medical devices, remote controls etc.

Dimensions

The CR2025 lithium coin cell is 20 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm in height.The CR2025 lithium coin cell is 20 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm in height. 

Specification	CR2016
Diameter	20 mm
Height	1.6 mm

Features

• Chemical: Lithium / Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO2)

• Designation: ANSI/NEDA-5003LC, IEC-CR2025
• Nominal Voltage: 3.0 Volts
• Nominal Capacity: 170 mA (discharge at 2.0V, 15K ohms at 21°C)
• Average Weight: 0.08 ounce (2.6 grams)
• Average Capacity: 0.8 ccm (0.05 cubic in.)
• Max Reverse Charge: 1 microamperez
• Energy Density: 176 milliwatt-hours per gram, 616 milliwatt-hours per cubic centimeter
• Average content of Lithium: 0.078 Gram, (0.0028 OZ.)
• Temperature Range: -30°C to 60°C
• Self Discharge :,<=1% per year
• Size: 20mm in diameter, 2.5mm thick
• Applications: Automotive car remote keys, calculators, small toys, digital thermometers, wrist watches according to current equipment.

 

Applications:

• Key fobs
• Calculators
• Digital thermometers
• LED lights
• Car security systems

Similarities Between CR2016 and CR2025

similarities make CR2016 vs CR2025 batteries compatible in terms of voltage and diameter, although their different thicknesses and capacities impact their interchangeability.

Aspect	Details (CR2016 vs CR2025)
Naming Scheme	Both use the "CR" prefix, indicating lithium manganese dioxide chemistry. Numbers represent size: 20 mm diameter, and thickness (16 = 1.6 mm, 25 = 2.5 mm).
Nominal Voltage	3.0 Volts – ideal for low-power devices requiring a consistent voltage source.
Diameter	Identical diameter of20 mm, allowing use in similar-sized battery compartments.
Chemical Composition	Both useLi/MnO₂ (Lithium Manganese Dioxide), offering long shelf life and stable discharge.
Applications	Commonly used in small electronics: key fobs, watches, calculators, toys, and laser pointers.

 

 

Differences Between CR2016 and CR2025

The CR2025 and CR2016 are both lithium coin batteries with a nominal voltage of 3V, but they differ in several key aspects. The CR2025 is thicker and has a higher capacity compared to the CR2016, which results in longer battery life for the CR2025. These differences in thickness and capacity affect their suitability for various applications. The CR2025, being thicker, can store more energy and is often used in devices requiring higher power, while the CR2016, being thinner, is suited for low-power devices.

Feature	CR2016	CR2025
Thickness	1.6 mm	2.5 mm
Capacity	~90 mAh	~165 mAh
Battery Life	Shorter duration	Longer-lasting
Fit	Better for thin devices	Better for devices with more space

Are CR2016 and CR2025 batteries Interchangeable

No, CR2016 and CR2025 batteriers are not interchangeable.

The main different between them is the thickness:

CR2016 is 1.6 mm thick

CR2025 is 2.5 mm thick

Both batteries have the same diameter (20 mm) and voltage (3v), but the thickness difference won't allow compatibility. It cannot be returned for that reason.A CR2025 will not fit into a CR2016 because it is a different size (the last part of the 4 digit alphanumerical code indicates the dimensions of the battery, a CR2025 is physically larger than a CR2016).

Or, more likely, switching to a CR2016 instead of a CR2025 might seem like it works, but due to its lower capacity (~90 mAh vs. 165–170 mAh), performance might be way worse and runtime much shorter-particularly in power-hungry devices.

✅ Be sure to follow the specific battery guidelinesrecommended by your product manufacturer to ensure the proper use and usage life of your device.

 

How to Choose Between CR2016 vs CR2025:

✅ Review Device Specs: Always refer to the manual or battery compartment markings.

✅ Maximize Space: when the battery slot is so narrow that CR2016 will fit.

✅ Opt for Capacity: If they both fit, CR2025 will last longer.

❌Don't Force a Battery: If you don't have CR2016 and you only have CR2025, do not try inserting it into a slot that requires the former just because it's a bit tight - it could damage the device.

RFQ 

Can I use CR2016 batteries instead of CR2025?

CR2016 batteries cannot usually replace CR2025 because of thickness issue. The CR2025 is also thicker, so it may not be the best fit in a device made for the skinnier CR2016. What's more, the CR2025 is a higher capacity so you may experience shorter battery life and issues if you used a CR2016.

What Is the Best Cr2025 Battery Brand?

A few labels have pitched on little LED lights with this battery, and some have spent a lot on packaging design so it's nice to do them a favour. Some of these brands are Duracell, Chao Chuang, Philips Lithium Minicell, GloFX Lithium Button.

Can I use two CR2016 to replace a CR2032?

If two CR2016 coin cell batteries are stacked in place of a CR2032 coin cell battery, it can also achieve the same capacity and endurance as the CR2032. This sandwich of two stacked CR2016s, however, will be very bad indeed for the gizmo you're feeding.

Alternatives to CR2016 and CR2025 batteries?

Yes CR2016 compatible model：DL2016 (Duracell), ECR2016 (Energizer). Equivalent for CR2025: DL2025 (Duracell), ECR2025 (Energizer), and CR2025 from other battery manufacturers. Always verify compatibility with your device's dimensions.