Lithium coin cell batteries CR1616 and CR1632 are widely used in compact electronics, but their subtle differences often lead to confusion. This article dissects their technical specifications, use cases, and critical compatibility considerations.

1. Core Specifications

CR1616

• Dimensions: 16 mm (diameter) × 1.6 mm (height)

• Voltage: 3V (Lithium manganese dioxide)

• Capacity: 50–55 mAh

• Weight: 1.2–1.5 grams

CR1632

• Dimensions: 16 mm (diameter) × 3.2 mm (height)

• Voltage: 3V (Same chemistry as CR1616)

• Capacity: 120–130 mAh

• Weight: 2.0–2.3 grams

2. Key Differences

Physical Compatibility

• Shared Diameter: Both use 16mm-diameter compartments, enabling cross-fit in some devices.

• Height Disparity: CR1632’s double the height (3.2mm vs 1.6mm) makes it physically incompatible with devices designed exclusively for CR1616.

Capacity and Runtime

• CR1632 delivers ~2.4× the capacity of CR1616 (130mAh vs 55mAh), providing significantly longer runtime.

• Example: In a car key fob, CR1632 lasts 2–3 years vs CR1616’s 1–1.5 years.

Energy Density

• CR1632 achieves ~220 Wh/kg vs CR1616’s ~180 Wh/kg due to optimized internal structure.

3. Application Scenarios

CR1616 Preferred For

• Ultra-thin devices:

• Hearing aid peripherals

• Miniature fitness trackers

• Slim calculator/watch backups

• Low-power sensors:

• Temperature loggers (e.g., in shipping containers)

CR1632 Dominates In

• High-drain applications:

• Automotive key fobs (e.g., Tesla Model 3 key card)

• Medical devices (glucose monitor transmitters)

• IoT sensors with wireless connectivity (Bluetooth Low Energy)

4. Substitution Risks

5. Cost and Availability

• CR1616: $0.80–$1.20 per unit (lower demand)

• CR1632: $0.50–$1.00 per unit (economies of scale from automotive use)

• Lifespan Cost: CR1632’s longer runtime makes it 40–60% cheaper per operational year.

6. Environmental Considerations

• Recycling: Both require specialized lithium battery recycling (not household bins).

• Carbon Footprint: Producing one CR1632 emits ~8g CO?eq vs CR1616’s ~5g CO?eq.

7. Manufacturer Recommendations

• Panasonic: Recommends CR1632 for “frequent-use” devices due to cycle resilience.

• Sony: Warns against mixing CR1616/CR1632 in medical devices due to voltage drop risks.

8. Future Trends

• Thin-Film Batteries: CR1616 may phase out as devices adopt flexible batteries (e.g., LG Chem’s 0.3mm cells).

• Rechargeable Versions: No commercial Li-ion variants exist yet due to technical constraints.

9. Final Selection Guide

• Choose CR1616 if:

• Device thickness ≤1.8mm is mandatory.

• Power needs are minimal (<0.1mA average current).

• Choose CR1632 if:

• Runtime is critical (e.g., keyless entry systems).

• Device supports ≥3.0mm battery height.

Always verify your device’s battery compartment dimensions and voltage requirements. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s specifications—forcing an incompatible battery can damage both the device and battery.