Introduction

Among the various types of batteries available, coin cell batteries are commonly used in small devices like calculators, watches, and key fobs. Two popular types of coin cell batteries are the CR2450 and CR2032. While they may seem similar due to their naming conventions, they have distinct differences that affect their interchangeability and applications.

Table of Content

CR2450 vs CR2032: what is the difference?

Size:

CR2450: The "24" in CR2450 denotes its diameter, which is 24 millimeters. The "50" represents its thickness, measured at 5.0 millimeters.

CR2032: Similarly, the "20" indicates its diameter (20 millimeters), and the "32" signifies its thickness (3.2 millimeters).

Capacity:

CR2450: Due to its larger size, the CR2450 typically has a higher capacity compared to the CR2032. It can store more energy, making it suitable for devices that require longer-lasting power.

CR2032: While smaller in size, the CR2032 has a lower capacity compared to the CR2450. It is commonly used in devices with lower power requirements and limited space.

Voltage:

Both the CR2450 and CR2032 are lithium coin cell batteries and typically have a nominal voltage of 3 volts when new. However, this voltage decreases gradually as the battery discharges.

Interchangeability:

While CR2450 and CR2032 batteries share the same voltage and chemistry, they are not always interchangeable due to their differences in size and capacity.

CR2032 batteries are thinner and may fit into devices designed for CR2450 batteries, but they may not provide sufficient power or runtime.

Conversely, CR2450 batteries are thicker and may not fit into devices designed for CR2032 batteries.

Applications:

CR2450: Due to its larger capacity, the CR2450 is commonly used in devices that require more power and longer runtime. These may include key fobs, digital scales, medical devices, and certain types of remote controls.

CR2032: The smaller size of the CR2032 makes it suitable for compact devices with lower power requirements. Typical applications include watches, calculators, small sensors, and memory backup in computers.

CR2450 vs CR2032: what is the difference?

CR2450 vs CR2032: Specification

The CR2450 and CR2032 differ in capacity, diameter, thickness, weight, and operating temperature range. The difference in specifications is listed in the table below:

How to choose a suitable battery for your project?

From the table, we can conclude that the battery capacity of CR2450 is nearly double that of CR2032. If you are designing a project that requires more current, then CR2450 will be better. CR2032 has a smaller diameter than CR2450. If you prefer a snap-on design and are prepared to sacrifice battery capacity, go for the CR2032. The same situation will also appear in the case of battery thickness. CR2032 is thinner than CR2450.CR2032 is also lighter in weight than CR2450, so for light-duty applications, it is better to use CR2032.

In addition, for some applications, the discharge time and circuit provided by CR2032 and CR2450 are also different, such as:

The CR2032 battery can operate continuously for up to 1300 hours in a 15K ohm load, providing 0.19 mA. ·The CR2450 battery can operate continuously for over 1600 hours into a 7.5K ohm load, delivering 0.39mA.

CR2450-vs-CR2032-Dimensions

Can CR2450 be replaced with CR2032?

CR2450 cannot be replaced with CR2032, even though they have the same voltage and chemical composition, they cannot replace each other due to their different sizes.

As we all know, the battery case of any application has a default size. The diameter difference between CR2450 and CR2032 is 4 mm, and the thickness difference is 1.8 mm. So inserting one battery into another battery's compartment is difficult.

Are BMW CR2450 and CR2032 equivalent?

BMW CR2450 and CR2032 are not interchangeable. Because although the nominal voltage of both batteries is 3.0V, the size and rated battery capacity are different. The 24 in the CR2450 battery means the diameter is 24.5mm, and the 50 means the battery height is 5.0mm; the 20 in the CR2030 battery means the battery is 20mm in diameter, and the 32 means the battery height is 3.2mm. The battery capacity of CR2032 is 200-240mAh; the battery capacity of CR2450 is 520mAh.

Which model can replace CR2450?

The CR2450 is not compatible with other battery types, but in some cases, a model with similar specifications can be substituted.

For example, BR2450 is a cadmium-mercury-free lithium battery specification. Its capacity is very similar to CR2450, but its voltage is slightly higher. Because it is a cadmium-mercury-free battery, it has less environmental impact. However, due to the voltage difference, using BR2450 may slightly impact the device, so you should first confirm whether the device supports this alternative type.

Conclusion

In summary, while CR2450 and CR2032 batteries share similarities in terms of voltage and chemistry, they are designed for different applications due to their size and capacity differences. While it may be tempting to interchange them, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your device to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Always refer to the device's specifications and consult with a qualified professional if you are unsure about which battery to use