A button battery size chart is a detailed reference that lists various button cell batteries by their dimensions, voltage, and common applications.
Ever struggled to find the right battery for a watch, hearing aid, or remote? You’re not alone. These tiny power sources might look similar, but each has specific measurements and energy capacities. Choosing the wrong one can mean poor performance or even device damage.
Button batteries—also called coin cells—are used in countless compact electronics. Their identification codes (like CR2032 or LR44) contain key information about size and chemistry, but decoding them can be tricky without guidance. That’s where a comprehensive size chart comes in.
Best Button Cell Batteries for Reliability and Longevity
When it comes to performance and durability, not all button cell batteries are created equal. Below are some of the top-rated button batteries in the market, known for consistency and extended shelf life:
Duracell 2032 Lithium Coin Battery (CR2032)
Why it’s a top choice: Duracell’s CR2032 is known for its 10-year shelf life and reliable 3V output. It’s leak-resistant and built with child-safe packaging. Ideal for key fobs, fitness trackers, and medical devices.
Energizer 377/376 Silver Oxide Button Battery (SR626SW)
Why it’s a top choice:A go-to for watches and calculators, this Energizer battery delivers steady voltage output and boasts excellent longevity in small electronics. Trusted for precise, long-term applications.
Maxell LR44 Alkaline Button Battery
Why it’s a top choice: Affordable and widely compatible, the Maxell LR44 is great for toys, remotes, and gadgets. It offers solid performance for everyday low- to medium-drain devices at a budget-friendly price.
Button Battery Codes and Dimensions
Each button battery comes with a unique code—like CR2032, LR44, or SR626SW—which isn’t just a random set of letters and numbers. These codes follow industry standards that convey essential information about the battery’s chemistry, size, and usage.
Decoding Battery Names
The letters at the beginning of a battery’s code represent its chemical composition:
- CR – Lithium Manganese Dioxide (3V)
- LR – Alkaline (1.5V)
- SR – Silver Oxide (1.55V)
- BR – Lithium Carbon Monofluoride (3V)
- PR – Zinc Air (commonly used in hearing aids)
The numbers following the letters indicate the battery’s size in millimeters:
- The first two digits are the diameter.
- The last two digits are the thickness/height.
Example: A CR2032 battery is 20mm in diameter and 3.2mm in height.
Size Matters: Why Dimensions Count
Using a battery that’s even 1mm too thick or too thin can cause:
- Poor contact with terminals
- Overheating
- Device malfunction
- Physical damage or short-circuiting
Common Button Battery Sizes (Diameter × Height)
| Code | Size (mm) | Voltage | Chemistry |
| CR2032 | 20 × 3.2 | 3V | Lithium |
| LR44 | 11.6 × 5.4 | 1.5V | Alkaline |
| SR626SW | 6.8 × 2.6 | 1.55V | Silver Oxide |
| CR2025 | 20 × 2.5 | 3V | Lithium |
| PR41 | 7.9 × 3.6 | 1.45V | Zinc Air |
Button Battery Types by Chemistry and Their Common Uses
Button batteries come in various chemical compositions, each designed for specific performance characteristics like voltage output, shelf life, and discharge behavior. Knowing the differences can help you choose the most suitable one for your device.
Lithium Button Batteries (CR Series)
- Voltage: 3V
- Shelf Life: 8–10 years
- Temperature Tolerance: Excellent
- Best For: Car key fobs, fitness trackers, medical devices
Why Choose Lithium?
Lithium coin cells like CR2032 or CR2025 offer high energy density and are perfect for high-drain or long-lasting applications. Their long shelf life makes them ideal for emergency or backup devices.
Alkaline Button Batteries (LR Series)
- Voltage: 1.5V
- Shelf Life: 2–3 years
- Cost: Economical
- Best For: Toys, laser pointers, small remotes
Why Choose Alkaline?
These are widely available and cost-effective. While they don’t last as long as lithium or silver oxide, they’re great for low-power devices used occasionally.
Silver Oxide Batteries (SR Series)
- Voltage: 1.55V
- Stable Output: Excellent for constant power delivery
- Best For: Watches, calculators, medical instruments
Why Choose Silver Oxide?
They maintain a steady voltage until depleted, making them the top choice for devices like watches that require reliable precision.
Zinc Air Batteries (PR Series)
- Voltage: 1.4–1.45V
- Air-activated: Once exposed, limited shelf life
- Best For: Hearing aids
Why Choose Zinc Air?
These batteries offer high capacity in a small size, making them ideal for hearing aids. However, they start discharging once exposed to air, so use them promptly after opening.
Button Battery Size Chart: Dimensions, Voltage & Compatibility
A well-organized size chart is essential when identifying button batteries. This section compiles the most common button battery types along with their dimensions, voltage ratings, and compatible devices.
Most Popular Button Battery Sizes
| Battery Code | Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) | Voltage | Common Devices |
| CR2032 | 20.0 | 3.2 | 3V | Car remotes, fitness trackers, toys |
| CR2025 | 20.0 | 2.5 | 3V | Calculators, heart rate monitors |
| CR2016 | 20.0 | 1.6 | 3V | Watches, key fobs |
| LR44 | 11.6 | 5.4 | 1.5V | Laser pointers, toys, multimeters |
| SR626SW | 6.8 | 2.6 | 1.55V | Watches, calculators |
| AG13 | 11.6 | 5.4 | 1.5V | Toys, LED lights (Alkaline LR44 equivalent) |
| PR41 (312) | 7.9 | 3.6 | 1.45V | Hearing aids |
How to Use This Chart
- Match the Code: If your device specifies a CR2032, use only that or a compatible match.
- Check Dimensions: Always verify both diameter and height before purchase.
- Cross-Reference Names: Some batteries are known by multiple names (e.g., LR44 = AG13 = A76).
Compatibility Tips
- Some devices allow for close replacements, like using a CR2025 in place of a CR2032, though it may reduce battery life.
- Avoid Mixing chemistry types even if the size is identical—this may damage the device.
This chart helps demystify button battery specifications, ensuring you get the right fit for optimal performance and longevity.
How to Safely Handle and Store Button Batteries
Due to their small size and high energy density, button batteries require safe handling and storage practices to prevent accidents—especially around children and pets. Mishandling these batteries can pose serious health risks and damage devices.
Safe Handling Tips
- Use Tools When Needed: Use tweezers or gloves when handling batteries to avoid skin oils or static discharge affecting the terminals.
- Avoid Short Circuits: Keep batteries away from metal objects like keys or coins to prevent short-circuiting, which can lead to leakage or overheating.
- Check Polarity: Always insert the battery in the correct orientation (+ and – sides). Reversing it can cause malfunction or damage to the device.
Storage Guidelines
- Store in Original Packaging: This prevents terminals from touching other surfaces, reducing the risk of discharge or shorting.
- Keep in a Cool, Dry Place: Batteries degrade faster in hot or humid environments. Store them at room temperature, away from sunlight.
- Separate by Type and Size: Mixing battery types or old/new batteries in a single container can lead to leakage or performance issues.
Keep Away from Children
- Button batteries are a choking hazard. If swallowed, they can cause severe internal burns within hours.
- Use child-proof storage containers or battery cases.
- Dispose of used batteries promptly and securely.
Disposal Recommendations
- Never throw button batteries in the trash.
- Take used cells to a certified recycling facility or drop-off location.
- Look for local regulations on hazardous waste disposal for batteries.
Proper handling and storage not only prolong battery life but also help prevent dangerous accidents.
Interchangeable Button Batteries: What You Can (and Can’t) Substitute
Button batteries often have multiple names or equivalents depending on the manufacturer and region. While some are safely interchangeable, others differ slightly in voltage or chemistry and may not be suitable replacements.
Identical Replacements (Safe to Swap)
Many button batteries have cross-reference names but are physically and electrically identical:
- LR44 = AG13 = A76 = L1154
- CR2032 = DL2032 = ECR2032
- SR626SW = 377 = AG4
These can be used interchangeably without concern, as long as they match in size, voltage, and chemistry.
Substitutions That May Work (Use with Caution)
Some batteries differ slightly in thickness or voltage but are often used as temporary replacements:
- CR2025 vs CR2032: Same diameter, but CR2025 is thinner and holds less capacity. It may work in a CR2032 slot if the contacts reach.
- LR44 vs SR44: Same size, but SR44 (Silver Oxide) has a higher and more stable voltage than LR44 (Alkaline). Devices requiring precision (like watches) may need SR44.
What You Shouldn’t Mix or Swap
- Chemistry Mismatches: Don’t replace Lithium (CR) with Alkaline (LR) even if the size fits. Voltage and performance vary greatly.
- Voltage Variance: Using a 3V battery in a 1.5V system can damage components.
- Rechargeable vs Non-rechargeable: Never use a rechargeable Li-ion coin cell in a device meant for disposable ones unless specified.
Manufacturer-Specific Codes
Some brands use proprietary labels. Always consult a battery cross-reference chart or device manual to verify compatibility.
Being informed about which batteries are safely interchangeable saves time, money, and avoids damaging your electronics.
Conclusion
Understanding button battery sizes, types, and proper handling isn’t just useful—it’s essential for device longevity and user safety. From decoding battery codes like CR2032 or LR44 to learning about the chemistry behind Silver Oxide or Lithium cells, having a reliable button battery size chart empowers you to make informed decisions.
We’ve covered how to identify and compare button batteries, their common uses, how to safely handle and store them, and when substitutions are appropriate. Whether you’re replacing a hearing aid battery, a key fob cell, or simply organizing a drawer full of spare batteries, this knowledge will help you do it confidently and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Button Battery Size Charts
What do the letters and numbers on a button battery mean?
The code on a button battery, such as CR2032 or LR44, indicates its chemical composition and size. The letters identify the battery type (e.g., CR = Lithium, LR = Alkaline), while the numbers represent the diameter and height in millimeters. For example, CR2032 is 20mm wide and 3.2mm thick.
Can I use a CR2025 instead of a CR2032?
In some cases, yes—but with limitations. Both batteries are the same diameter (20mm), but the CR2025 is thinner (2.5mm vs. 3.2mm) and has a lower capacity. It might fit and function temporarily, but battery life will be shorter, and device contacts may not always connect properly.
Are all button batteries interchangeable if they fit?
No. Even if they are the same size, voltage and chemistry differences matter. Swapping a 1.5V Alkaline (LR44) with a 3V Lithium (CR2032) can damage your device. Always check compatibility and match chemistry when replacing a battery.
What are the safest ways to store button batteries?
Store them in their original packaging or a battery organizer. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from metal objects and out of reach of children. Improper storage can lead to short-circuiting or accidental ingestion.
Where can I dispose of used button batteries?
Button batteries should never be thrown in the trash. Instead, take them to a battery recycling center or a retailer that offers drop-off bins. Many communities offer hazardous waste disposal events where batteries can be safely discarded.