The three most-confused coin cells in the world are 20 mm wide: CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016. Same diameter, same 3V — and not interchangeable. The difference is millimetres of thickness, and it is precisely what decides whether the cell seats in the holder.
The comparison table
| CR2032 | CR2025 | CR2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Height | 3.2 mm | 2.5 mm | 1.6 mm |
| Typical capacity | 220 mAh | 165 mAh | 90 mAh |
| Typical uses | Key fobs, motherboards, AirTag | Remotes, key fobs, thin modules | Slim remotes, some key fobs, thin electronics |
Read the model number as the spec sheet: CR2032 = 20 mm diameter × 3.2 mm height; CR2025 = 20 × 2.5; CR2016 = 20 × 1.6. The number IS the size.
The physical rule: thickness decides
A CR2032 (3.2 mm) will not seat in a holder designed for a CR2016 (1.6 mm) — the cover will not close or the contact springs will load the cell unevenly. A thinner cell in a thicker slot wobbles and can lose contact intermittently. This is why “will it fit” is always answered by the stamped number, never by the device brand.
What most devices actually take
- Car key fobs: CR2032 across most brands; CR2025 on some Honda/Mazda; CR2016 on slim remotes.
- Motherboards / CMOS: CR2032 in about 90% of cases.
- TV remotes: usually CR2025 or CR2032 — check.
- Apple AirTag: CR2032 only (2019+).
The full key fob battery chart → · CMOS replacement guide →
Buying rule
Never substitute by diameter alone. If you are a retailer or distributor stocking fob cells, the correct move is to stock all three: CR2032 is the volume seller, CR2025 second, CR2016 the slim niche. Browse the CR battery range → or check each model’s EU info file →.
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