CR2450 vs. CR2032: Which Battery is Right for You?

If you are using batteries for your small gadgets, then the type matters so much in performance and longevity. Two of the most commonly used batteries in applications include CR2450 and CR2032 lithium coin cell batteries.

Although these two batteries look pretty alike, they are different by capacity, and other application characteristics, which makes it very necessary to know how to use the correct one.

To be able to pinpoint which one will suit you best, let us compare the specifications, applications, and advantages of every kind of battery in these regards.

Overview of CR2450

The CR2450 is a type of coin cell battery commonly used in small electronic devices. It’s a lithium-based battery, meaning it provides a stable and long-lasting power supply. 

The "CR" stands for "lithium manganese dioxide," which is the chemical composition of the battery, and "2450" refers to its dimensions—24 millimeters in diameter and 5.0 millimeters in height.

This battery is known for its high energy density making it ideal for devices that require a steady and reliable power source over a long period. 

You’ll often find CR2450 batteries in devices like watches, calculators, key fobs, and various medical devices like glucose meters. They’re also used in some wireless sensors and remotes due to their ability to operate efficiently in a wide range of temperatures, from -30°C to 60°C.

One of the main advantages of the CR2450 is its long shelf life, which can extend up to 10 years, depending on storage conditions. This makes it a popular choice for devices that are used infrequently but require instant readiness when needed.

CR2450 Battery Features and Specifications

Here’s a table with the specifications of the CR2450 battery:

CR2032 Overview

The CR2032 is another hugely adopted coin cell battery known for its small size and reliable performance.

Coming in at a diameter of 20 millimeters and thickness of 3.2 millimeters, the CR2032 is of larger size; it finds considerable applications in watches, key systems, and even medical instruments. It also has 3 volts as the case is with the CR2450, but its capacity is lower, usually only at 220 mAh.

It is, hence, more suitable in devices that call for less power yet require that the energy supplied to them be consistent and long-lasting. Let’s see its specs below.

CR2032 Battery Features and Specifications

Here is a table with the specifications for the CR2032 battery:

The Differences Between CR2450 and CR2032

Here are the key differences between the CR2450 and CR2032 batteries, considering their features, applications, and equivalents.

1. Dimensional size

This should be the most noticeable disparity between CR2450 and CR2032. The CR2450 measures 24mm in diameter and is 5.0 mm thick. On the other hand, the CR2032 measures 20mm in diameter and has a thickness of 3.2mm.

Size difference also allows the CR2450 to have a larger capacity hence it can store more energy, but makes it useless for devices designed to fit the smaller CR2032 battery.

2. Capacity and Power

Capacity is normally measured in milliampere hours, which essentially denotes the amount of energy that can be stored in a battery. 

The capacity for most types of CR2450 will range between 500mAh to 620mAh. In contrast, the CR2032 has a much more restricted capacity, usually staying between 200mAh and 240mAh.

This means the CR2450 can run a device for the most extended period before it discharges; hence, it's very suitable for energy-greedy devices, while the CR2032 works best on low-power applications.

3. Voltage

The CR2450 and the CR2032 both provide the same voltage of 3 volts. It is because of this same voltage that they can be used together for devices that require 3 volts, but that alone does not mean that they are interchangeable.

4. Applications

The size and capacity differences between the CR2450 and the CR2032 also mean they are applied differently in different devices. 

Given that the capacity of the CR2450 is higher, it is applied in most devices whose usage is power-intensive, such as remote controls, medical devices, and some LED lights.

On the other hand, the CR2032 is used more in smaller devices or less power-demanding devices, such as watches, calculators, and key fobs. The application is very important to understand in selecting the correct type of battery for your device.

5. Lifespan

How long a battery lasts really comes down to two things: how much energy it can store and how much power the device it's in actually needs. Because the CR2450 has more capacity, it tends to outlast the CR2032 when used in similar gadgets.

To put it into perspective, in a low-drain device, you could get up to ten years from a CR2450, while a CR2032 might only give you eight years. 

This difference makes the CR2450 a smart pick for situations where changing the battery isn’t easy or convenient.

6. Cost

As these two cells come in different sizes and capacity, the CR2450 is a little more expensive than the CR2032. Again, this cost difference will depend on brands and stores, but generally speaking, if you need that extra capacity and duration, then count on paying a bit more for the CR2450.

7. Weight

Another difference between these two batteries is their weight. The CR2450 weighs about 6.3 grams, compared to the CR2032, which weighs around 3 grams.

While this might not seem significant, in devices where weight is a critical factor, such as portable electronics or wearables, the lighter CR2032 might be preferable.

The added weight of the CR2450 could be a consideration in designing or choosing the right power source for certain devices.

8. Equivalent Batteries

While looking out for replacements, it will come in handy to know the equivalents for these batteries. Equivalents of a CR2450 include a CR2025, CR-2450/G1AN and CR-2450/H1AN, while equivalents of a CR2032 could be a KCR2032, a CR2025 and KECR2032, depending on the brand used.

It is always very necessary to check the specifications on the device and the recommendations from the battery manufacturer to ensure that there are no compatibility problems when equivalent batteries are used.

CR2450 vs CR2032: Comparison Table

To give you a short summary of differences, check this table below:

CR2450 vs CR2032: Similarities

Despite their differences, here’s what CR2450 and CR2032 have in common:

• Both the CR2450 and CR2032 are types of lithium coin cell batteries, so they have a lot in common.

• They both provide a steady voltage of 3 volts, which is why they're so reliable in small devices.

• You’ll often find these batteries in gadgets like watches and calculators, as they fit perfectly into those compact spaces.

• Since they share the same chemical makeup, they're both known for being stable and having a long shelf life.

Here’s a quick table that highlights their similarities:

CR2450 vs. CR2032: Which Battery is Right for You?

The choice between the CR2450 and the CR2032 comes down to your usage. Both batteries offer the same voltage, and quite reliable that allow them to be used in several gadgets. However, the major difference will be on size and capacity. 

The CR2450 is thicker, normally having a higher capacity—quite ideal for devices that require a longer life. On the other hand, the CR2032, being thinner, is ideal for smaller gadgets where space is a concern.

So when deciding which battery is right for you, consider the device you're powering.