Like the CR batteries, they carry a 3V charge. This gives them an incredible shelf life, up to 7 years. Common types of lithium used in LiR coin cell batteries include:Ī battery with a BR denotation is made from Lithium carbon monofluoride. They also carry a higher voltage charge, from 3.2 to 3.9V. The LiR2032 is a rechargeable lithium battery whose performance greatly depends on the type of lithium used by the manufacturer. This gives it a high energy density while also allowing it to function in low-temperature environments. The “CR” in a CR2032 battery, or any CR designated battery designates that its positive cathode is made of Lithium manganese dioxide. The three coin cell batteries we’ll be examining each have their own chemical make-ups for their positive cathodes. Gravimetric energy density - how much energy a battery holds vs.Here are other things that can be affected by what a battery is made of: Coin Cell Battery ChemistryĪ battery’s chemistry can have great effects on its performance. Here’s a photo of our Duracell Procell CR2032, with the designation and voltage clearly visible on the product packaging. And at least some 2032s are rechargeable, depending on the chemical materials used to create their cathode cell. They have a shelf life of at least 10 years. When you see 2032 on the label, you know it is this size.Ģ032 batteries all carry at least a 3V charge. No other coin cell battery has these dimensions. The 32 comes from their thickness, which is 3.2mm. Therefore, 2032 batteries are 20mm in diameter. Since we’re talking about three types of 2032 batteries today, let’s look at them specifically for a moment.Įach coin cell battery is labeled first by its diameter. They have a low self-discharge rate, and hold charge for long periods of time when not in use. Their charge capacity is given in milliampere hours (mAh).Ĭoin cells have a long service life, from one to 10 years, depending on the type. Compared to their smallest button cell battery cousins, at 5mm, they are quite larger.Īs you can see in the photo above, the size, voltage and country of its manufacturer are stamped right on the coin cell battery itself.Ĭoin cell batteries are single cell, typically disposable (but not always, as we’ll see), and measured in millimeters due to their small size. They are still small, usually no bigger than 25mm in diameter.

By the time we’re finished, we’ll have made your day easier, I promise.Īnd you’ll know a whole lot more about those tiny batteries that can cause such huge grief.Ĭoin cell batteries are the “larger” varieties of the button cell batteries. We’ll begin with a brief overview of coin cell batteries in general, and then go into each type of 2032 battery in some detail.

Today, we’re going to do a somewhat deep dive into that world, examining the three most commonly used batteries for small devices such as watches, keyfobs, games, and medical equipment.

So now you’re delving into the wonderful world of the coin cell battery. Your watch just became a useless blank screen on your wrist.Īnd your car’s keyfob has stopped working.Īnd Little Jenny’s retro handheld game console just went dark.Īnd your granddad’s been diagnosed with diabetes and you’re wondering about the maintenance and care of an at-home glucose monitor, so the hospital emergency room stays out of the family’s future.

2032 battery same as 2025