CR2032, BR2032, ML2032, LiR2032 Battery Equivalents and Replacements
CR2032 is a 3.0-volt non-rechargeable lithium battery, one of the most popular lithium button/coin cell batteries in use.
CR2032 battery is commonly used in remote controls, as motherboard battery, in calculators, in wearable electronics, in small LED flashlights, etc.
Published: March 18, 2023.
CR2032 Battery Features and Specifications
CR2032 battery features physical dimensions of (D x H) 20 x 3.2 mm (~0.787 x 0.126 inches), hence the "2032" as part of its label.
CR2032 battery is a non-rechargeable battery based on the Lithium Manganese Dioxide chemistry and features a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, a cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts, a nominal capacity of 200-230 mAh, and a very long shelf life of 5-10 years, with some models having an even longer shelf life.
The continuous discharge current is ~0.2 mA, while the maximum continuous discharge current is 2-3 mA, and the short pulse discharge current is up to 12-15 mA. As such, CR2032 batteries can be used in both low-current applications (for example, CMOS batteries) and pulse-type applications (for example, remote keys).
Typical labels of the non-rechargeable lithium 3.0V 20 x 3.2 mm battery include CR2032, 5004LC, DL2032, ECR2032, SB-T51, etc., with CR2032 being the most commonly used one.
BR2032 3.0 volt lithium battery features the same physical dimensions as the CR2032 battery and is based on the Lithium Carbon Monofluoride chemistry.
BR2032 nominal battery voltage is ~2.8V for older models and ~3.0V for newer models, with a cutoff voltage of ~2.25V for older models and 2.0V for newer models.
A typical capacity is in the 180-200 mAh range, which is a somewhat smaller capacity than the capacity of the CR2032 battery.
Also, the typical drain current of the BR2032 battery is just 0.03 mA, with pulse drain currents NOT being recommended, at least not as the pulse currents that the CR2032 battery may provide.
But, the BR2032 battery features a wider operating temperature range than the CR2032 battery and an even longer shelf-life of 10+ years.
BR2032 batteries are not as popular as CR2032 batteries, but as motherboard batteries, and in certain medical and security devices, BR2032 ensures a reliable power supply for CMOS and similar circuits.
ML2032 lithium 3.0V battery is a rechargeable Manganese Dioxide Lithium and is used in certain electronic devices, which are also used to keep the battery charged - they usually have a built-in battery charger.
ML2032 battery features a nominal capacity of 60-70 mAh, with a typical drain current of 0.2 mA.
If the ML2032 battery is being recharged by a charger, the charger must be intended for charging 3.0V rechargeable lithium batteries, or the battery may overheat, catch fire, or even explode.
LiR2032 lithium battery is a rechargeable lithium 3.6-3.7V battery having the same physical dimensions as the CR2032 battery.
Its nominal voltage is usually in the 3.6-3.7 volts range, but it also depends on the exact chemistry type and sometimes varies from 3.2 to 3.9.
LiR2032 lithium battery features a nominal capacity of 40-50 mAh, which is much lower than the capacity of the CR2032 battery (200-230 mAh), but the LiR2032 battery can be recharged 400-500 times, sometimes even more.
Also, the LiR2032 battery is sometimes labeled as an LR2032 battery.
Some devices allow the CR2032 battery to be replaced by LiR2032 batteries, but not all due to voltage differences.
Note: CR2032 battery can be replaced with LiR2032 battery only if explicitly allowed by the device's manufacturer!
If not, even a small voltage difference of 0.6-0.7 volts may damage or destroy sensitive electronic devices.
CR2032, BR2032, ML2032, LiR2032 Batteries Comparison Chart
The following chart compares some of the most popular lithium 20.0 x 3.2 mm batteries on the market and their features and specifications:
| Model |
Nominal Capacity | Operating Temperature | Self-Discharge Rate | Drain Current |
| Duracell CR2032 | 225 mAh, down to 2.0 volts, 15kΩ, @20°C | -20°C +60°C | <2% | 0.2 mA cont. 3 mA max. cont. 10 mA 1s max. |
| Duracell CR2032 CS | 265 mAh, down to 2.0 volts, 15kΩ, @20°C | -20°C +60°C | <1% | 0.3 mA cont. 3 mA max. cont. 50 mA 1s max. |
| Energizer CR2032 | 235 mAh, down to 2.0 volts, 15kΩ, @21°C | -30°C +60°C | ~1% | 0.19 mA cont. |
| Maxell ML2032 | 65 mAh | -20°C +60°C | - | 0.2 mA cont. |
| Panasonic BR2032 | 200 mAh | -30°C +85°C | - | 0.03 mA cont. |
| Panasonic CR2032 | 225 mAh | -30°C +85°C | - | 0.2 mA cont. |
| Panasonic CR2032B | 210 mAh | -40°C +120°C | - | 0.2 mA |
| PowerStream LiR2032 | 40 mAh | -20°C +60°C | - | 8 mA cont. 70 mA max. cont. |
| Varta CR2032 | 230 mAh, down to 2.0 volts, 5k6Ω, @20°C | -20°C +70°C | - | ~0.5 mA |
As one can see, each chemistry has something different to offer. Thus, different button/coin 20.0 x 3.2 mm batteries are chosen for different applications.
Long Story Short: CR2032, BR2032, ML2032, and LiR2032 batteries are very popular lithium batteries, one of the most popular lithium button/coin cell batteries, especially the CR2032 model.
CR2032 battery can be found at most hardware, photo, office stores or online shops.
Note: These and similar batteries should be kept out of the reach of children and pets - if swallowed, they can cause chemical burns that can be very dangerous, even deadly. If that happens, contact the nearest emergency service and act according to their instructions.
