on September 30th 9,742

CR1632 Battery Guide: Specifications, Dimensions, Equivalents, and Common Uses

The CR1632 is a small lithium coin battery that gives a steady 3V power for many compact devices. This article explores its dimensions, electrical specifications, pin configuration, performance under different temperatures, equivalent models, applications, as well as its key advantages and limitations.

Catalog

Figure 1. CR1632 Battery

CR1632 Battery Overview

The CR1632 is a small, non-rechargeable lithium coin cell designed for compact electronics. It supplies a steady 3V output and can remain usable for years when stored properly. Because of its size and stability, it is often used in devices that need reliable, low-power operation. It belongs to the CR series, which follows an international naming system (IEC standard). This means the CR1632 can be sourced worldwide with consistent specifications and compatibility.

CR1632 Battery Dimensions

Figure 2. CR1632 Battery Dimension

The diagram above shows the standardized shape and size of the CR1632 coin cell. These precise measurements ensure that the battery fits securely in holders designed for this model.

• The diameter ranges from 15.75 mm to 16.00 mm (0.620–0.630 in)

• The thickness ranges from 3.00 mm to 3.20 mm (0.118–0.126 in)

Specifications of CR1632 Battery

Type	Parameter
Chemistry	Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO₂)
Nominal Voltage	3.0 V
Cut-off Voltage	2.0 V
Diameter	16.0 mm
Thickness	3.2 mm
Typical Capacity	120–135 mAh
Nominal Discharge Current	0.2 mA
Max Continuous Discharge Current	1.0 mA
Max Pulse Discharge Current	20–25 mA (short pulses)
Internal Resistance (fresh)	≤30–35 Ω
Operating Temperature Range	–30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature Range	–30 °C to +60 °C
Shelf Life	~8–10 years
Weight	~1.8 g
Standard Discharge Conditions	15 kΩ load at 20 °C, down to 2.0 V
Leakage Resistance	High (suitable for long storage)

CAD Model of CR1632 Battery

CR1632 Symbol

Figure 3. Symbol of CR1632 Battery

CR1632 Footprint

Figure 4. Footprint of CR1632 Battery

Temperature Behavior of CR1632 Battery

Figure 5. CR1632 Temperature Performance

The graph above shows how the CR1632 battery performs under different temperatures when discharged through a 15 kΩ load (about 190 µA). Voltage is plotted against time, revealing clear differences in behavior:

• At 60 °C, the voltage curve starts slightly higher and remains stable for most of the discharge cycle. The battery also runs longer before reaching the cut-off point.

• At 20 °C, the curve demonstrates a balanced profile. Voltage remains steady, and the usable duration is long enough for most everyday devices. This is considered the most typical operating condition.

• At –10 °C, the voltage drops quickly at the start, and capacity is noticeably reduced. The discharge cycle ends much sooner compared with room or high temperature operation.

The figure makes it clear that the CR1632 is most efficient in moderate environments. While it can function in extreme heat or cold, both very high and very low temperatures affect capacity, with cold conditions being the most limiting.

CR1632 Battery Equivalent Models

Features	CR1632 (Standard)	DL1632 (Duracell)	ECR1632 (Energizer)	BR1632 (Carbon Monofluoride)	L1632 (Generic)	KCR1632 (Panasonic)	LITH34	KL1632
Standard Type	CR (Lithium Manganese Dioxide)	DL (Duracell CR)	ECR (Energizer CR)	BR (Lithium Carbon Monofluoride)	L (Generic Lithium)	KCR (Panasonic CR)	LITH (Lithium)	KL (Lithium)
Nominal Voltage	3.0 V	3.0 V	3.0 V	3.0 V	3.0 V	3.0 V	3.0 V	3.0 V
Diameter	16.0 mm	16.0 mm	16.0 mm	16.0 mm	16.0 mm	16.0 mm	16.0 mm	16.0 mm
Thickness	3.2 mm	3.2 mm	3.2 mm	3.2 mm	3.2 mm	3.2 mm	3.2 mm	3.2 mm
Chemistry	Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO₂)	Same as CR	Same as CR	Lithium Carbon Monofluoride (Li-CFx)	Generic Li-MnO₂	Same as CR	Same as CR	Same as CR
Capacity (typical)	~120 mAh	~120 mAh	~120 mAh	~100 mAh (lower at high drain)	~120 mAh	~120 mAh	~120 mAh	~120 mAh
Shelf Life	7–10 years	7–10 years	7–10 years	10+ years	7–10 years	7–10 years	7–10 years	7–10 years
Temperature Range	–20 °C to +60 °C	Same	Same	–30 °C to +85 °C	Same	Same	Same	Same
Direct Interchangeability	Original standard	Yes (Duracell branding)	Yes (Energizer branding)	Limited (lower current handling)	Yes (generic brand)	Yes (Panasonic)	Yes	Yes

Applications of CR1632 Battery

Because of its small size and steady output, the CR1632 is often used in:

• Remote key fobs and car remotes

• Wristwatches and compact clocks

• Portable medical devices such as glucose meters

• Fitness trackers and step counters

• Calculators and small electronic toys

• Motherboard CMOS memory backup

CR1632 Battery Advantages and Limitations

Advantages	Limitations
Shelf life up to 10 years in storage	Cannot be recharged
High energy density for its size	Lower capacity compared with larger coin cells
Stable voltage and long-lasting reliability in low-drain devices	Performance drops sharply under high-drain loads
Compact and lightweight design	Must be disposed of safely as hazardous waste
Widely available and interchangeable with multiple equivalents	Not suitable for devices requiring continuous high current
Low self-discharge rate, maintaining charge even after long storage	Limited temperature tolerance compared with rechargeable lithium cells

Conclusion

The CR1632 coin cell provides dependable 3V power in a small, lightweight package, balancing long shelf life, stable voltage, and wide availability. Its performance is optimized at room temperature, though extreme cold reduces capacity. Equivalent models from major brands offer direct compatibility, ensuring flexibility in sourcing. Often used in car remotes, watches, medical tools, and computer motherboards, it is reliable for low-power devices. Still, it cannot be recharged, has limited current capacity, and must be thrown away safely after use.