What Is The Difference Between CR2032 And CR2016 Batteries? (Explained)

When the world faced its first revolution, it was introduced to new forms of electricity and how they can be produced or preserved.

People were only familiar with the basic definition of electricity, which was that it could be produced from water or the wind. Still, they never knew that they could power up their things with such small-shaped objects, which are essentially cheap.

These new types of products were a definite step towards the development and innovation of electrical components. The need for light and power has been one of the greatest wants of humankind from the beginning, right after when we emerged from the stone age.

The invention of electricity was a miracle, and then came the bulb, which is powered up by electricity.

So, let’s get straight to the point, “What’s the difference between CR2032 and CR2016 batteries?”

While CR2016 only has a 90 mAh capacity, CR 2032 has a 240 mAh capacity. Depending on the amount of power you’re consuming, the CR2032 can last for up to 10 hours whereas the CR2016 only lasts for about 6 hours.

Find out more about their differences as we get into the details in this blog post.

Importance of Batteries

Dry Cell
Dry Cell

In the modern world, almost nothing can be operated without being introduced to some sort of energy, whether it is solar, electrical, or mechanical energy.

It has become a significant part of our community, and we didn’t even notice the importance it started gaining in our society. Nowadays, almost no aspect of life can be fulfilled without electricity.

Even cars, exercise machines, and with the latest tech, pets are being converted into electronic items powered by batteries. Many different types of these batteries came and are now serving their purpose.

The main idea and thought process behind the making of these batteries was to be able to store electricity for the down hours (hours in which electricity is cut out, whether because of a fault or just schedule).

Before the invention of these rechargeable batteries, there would be a complete blackout when the electricity cuts out. To avoid this problem, these batteries were made.

Different Types of Batteries

The six-cell battery can store much more volts than it can be stored in a three-cell battery, but the biggest yet is 16 cells which have a maximum capacity to store the volt and provides a decent and long-lasting backup.

Then comes the dry cells, which work based on their vessels and the chemicals inside them. It is not so powerful but can help power torches, remotes, and other small things.

New cells are being invented, and the small round cells are more popular. They can be found almost anywhere, from wristwatches to car remotes.

The main trouble that one gets into is that they don’t know which is best suited for their requirements, but many people end up getting the more powerful or the weak one.

This has to be noted that people think that getting a more powerful cell is good, but it’s not because your device is limited to a certain limit of volts that it can connect to. Providing more than that may cause overheating or destroy its circuit.

Heavy duty battery
Some batteries are heavy-duty.

CR2032

The CR2032 is a small round cell that is very common and widely used.

This round, the silvery coin-looking cell is powerful enough to power up wristwatches, small toys, and appliances. This is the most powerful cell of its category manufactured by Panasonic, a prestigious company known for making electrical appliances.

There are many other cells of the same spec, and they have the same amount of charge of volts in them. The only difference that one can find is that they can be a little faster or slower than each other.

The first letters indicate that the battery is round and about the size of a coin, and the numbers indicate the total chemical components present in it.

The CR2032 is exactly 3.2 mm thick and weighs around it, which makes it larger than any other battery. This cell would not fit in any spot dedicated to another cell would fit. It has 240 mAh capacity.

CR2016

The CR2016 is also a type of battery designated to look like a coin; it is also silver in color but has a small capacity for storing charges. It only has a 90 mAh capacity.

It is a substitute for any other battery, yet it is not the weakest but not the strongest. It is also manufactured by prestigious companies such as Panasonic and Energy. The CR2016 has a total diameter of 1.6 mm and is very small and lightweight.

Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable Batteries

Distinguishing Facts Between CR2032 and CR2016

FeaturesCR2032CR2016
Power or voltsThe CR2032 has the maximum power that any cell can ever of the same size producing 3 volts and 240 mAh, enough to power up small things.  The CR2016 is not the smallest of its kind but is much smaller than CR2032, creating 90 mAh and 2 volts which is the requirement of many things from torches up to remote.  
AppearanceRegarding appearance, both appear to be of the same size lithium coin shape, but CR2032 is 3.2 mm wide in diameter and 20 meters across the surface from north to south.  CR2016 also has the same appearance; it also looks like a coin made of lithium. The main difference is that it is 1.6 mm in diameter and 16 meters across the surface.   
Amount of chemicalIn CR2032, the amount of lithium is in relatively large quantity as it is capable of producing 3 volts which is also bigger, which is just because of the amount of lithium in it and space left for chain reactions.  In CR2016, the amount of lithium is not in such a small quantity, but it is much more than CR25, which makes it able to produce 90 mah, which is decent if we are using it to power up small toys or remote controls.
Public demandThe CR2032 has the most public gaining as it has a lot more charge to offer to its audience and can provide a decent backup.  The CR2016 also has a large number of potential customers, but it cannot match the market of cr 2032 because it has a small amount of charge in it as compared to 2032.
Shell lifeThe shelf life of a CR2032 cell is predicted to be ten years.The shelf life of CR2016 is predicted to be six years.
Volt lifeIt depends on the usage of its running volts. On average, it provides 24 mAh in a day if fitted to a wristwatch or small energy toy. These batteries are non-rechargeable batteries mainly because of their small and uneven surfaces.   The volt’s life depends on its usage. If the battery is used to power up the same wristwatch, the watch averages 18 mAh a day which can run out in a week. Like 2032, this battery is also non-rechargeable because of the same problem it has an uneven and minimal diameter that they cannot fit in any sort of charger.  
CR 2032 vs. CR 2016
What is the difference between CR2032 and CR2016?

Can We Replace CR2016 With CR2032?

We can’t replace CR 2016 with CR 2032 because the CR 2016 is exactly 1.6 mm thick in diameter and the CR 2032 is 3.2 mm in diameter. That means they cannot fit in each other’s spot as the cell would not sit perfectly.

Secondly, the power, if a device is limited to a cell capable as CR 2016, it would be harmful to the device to get more volts.

Many people think it could be good as they think they are increasing the efficiency of the device but in reality, they are just slowly destroying the device.

Are These Batteries Dangerous?

They can be dangerous as they are filled with lithium which is a hazardous chemical if introduced with extreme heat or placed in direct sunlight.

It can also be dangerous if two cells of the same spec are placed on one another. Lithium will cause an explosion if another particle of lithium touches it. The explosion is not a lethal one but it can cause some serious damage to one’s hand.

Conclusion

  • The gist of our research tells us that these batteries are non-rechargeable and they are very popular for serving their purpose, and they are not very expensive.
  • There are numerous specs of these batteries, but the most common and famous ones are CR2032 and CR2016.
  • These batteries are used in powering up wristwatches and small toys as they don’t have enough volts compared to the dry cell or led storage batteries.

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