Find the right button batteries for your watch, calculator, remote, hearing aide, or other device.
What is a button battery used for?
If you’ve ever had a watch battery replacement, then you’ve had a new button battery. Also referred to as a button cell battery or a coin battery, these batteries are small, thin discs. The form factor makes these ideal for use in small devices including watches, calculators, mini remotes, and hearing aides.
Are all watch battery and button cell batteries the same?
There are many different types of watch batteries. They share the same “button” form factor, but they are different sizes, have different capacities, and offer different lifespans.
There are two things to keep in mind when it’s time to change watch battery. First, make sure you get the exact replacement battery as recommended by the manufacturer. And second, be careful that the old battery is properly disposed of as it is a chocking hazard for small children and pets.
Button cell battery sizes
Button cell batteries range in size from a diameter of 4.8 mm to 24.5 mm, and a thickness from 1.6 mm to 5.4 mm. For batteries that conform to IEC standards, those sizes will be reflected in the coin cell battery code on the package. For example, 2025 is 20 mm diameter and 2.5 mm height, while 2450 means a diameter of 40 mm and a height of 5 mm.
Unfortunately, not all calculator batteries and button cells conform to that naming standard.
What does CR stand for in watch battery names?
Watch batteries following IEC standards also have a prefix on their code that indicates the battery’s chemical composition. Among the most common are CR (Lithium) and LR (Alkaline). So a CR2032 battery is a lithium button cell watch battery that that’s 24 mm in diameter and 3.2 mm high. Other common lithium sizes are CR2450, CR1632, and CR1225.
Can a CR2025 battery replace a CR2032 battery?
The CR2025 and CR2032 batteries are both lithium batteries that are 20 mm in diameter, with the same voltage. However, the CR2032 is 0.7 mm thicker. With some devices, you may be able to use the two interchangeably so long as the battery compartment has the space and still makes contact. The thinner, slightly smaller capacity CR2025 won’t last as long as a lithium battery CR2032.
Are LR44 batteries the same as LR357?
The LR44 button cell battery is an alkaline battery, while LR357 is silver oxide. Despite the fact that their codes don’t both conform to IEC standards, they are actually the same physical size and voltage. While they can be used interchangeably, the LR357 coin battery will last much longer than an LR44.
How long will a coin battery last for?
The lifespan of coin cell or calculator batteries depends on the power demand of the device, and the capacity of the battery. When used in a toy, a button battery may last just days or even hours. In a TV remote, a CR2032 battery can last for years without replacement.
Do watch batteries leak?
Any battery can leak if left in a device for long enough. That being said, button cells are designed for long-use applications, including devices that use CR2032 batteries for backup (like PCs and thermostats) without expectation of being replaced for a decade.
How do you know if a CR2032 battery is good?
Not sure if a CR2032 battery is still good? If this is a new battery, check the package for a “best if used before” or expiration date. You can use a multimeter to check its voltage. The easiest way to tell if a battery is still good is to insert it in the devices and see if it works ...