Maxell CR2016 3V Lithium Coin Battery

A CR2016 is a 3V lithium coin cell, and this one arrives from Maxell on its own blister card. The code is the specification: CR denotes the lithium manganese dioxide chemistry, 20 gives the diameter in millimetres and 16 gives the height in tenths of a millimetre, so the cell measures 20mm across and 1.6mm thick. The card is printed 3V and describes the cell as being for electric products. That voltage figure matters more than anything else on the pack, because a lithium coin cell runs at double the 1.5V of an alkaline cell of similar size.

Coin cells of this family all look alike on a shelf, which is where mistakes happen. A CR2025 and a CR2032 share the same 20mm footprint and differ only in height, at 2.5mm and 3.2mm against the 1.6mm of a CR2016. A thicker cell will not close into a shallow holder, and a 2016 dropped into a compartment cut for a 2032 sits loose and loses contact with the spring. The safest habit is to read the code printed on the face of the cell you are replacing and match it exactly, rather than matching by eye. Anything marked CR2016 is the same cell whoever makes it.

One cell comes on each card. The minimum order is 20 cards, bought in multiples of 20, which suits a workshop, a locksmith or anyone who fits key fobs and small remotes often enough to want spares in a drawer. The pack prints no shelf life figure, so we quote none. It does carry a warning notice on the reverse, and Maxell asks that you read it before use. Keep spare cells on their cards until they are wanted, because the packaging holds them apart and stops two cells shorting against each other in a pocket or a tin.

Will a CR2016 work where a CR2032 is specified?

Not reliably. Both are 20mm across, but the 2032 is 3.2mm thick against 1.6mm here, so the thinner cell sits loose in the holder and can lose contact.

How do I check which coin cell my device takes?

Read the code printed on the face of the old cell, or look inside the battery compartment where the code is usually moulded or labelled, and match it exactly.

Why is this 3V when most small cells are 1.5V?

Lithium coin cells deliver 3V from a single cell, so never fit a 1.5V cell of the same diameter in its place; the device will be underpowered.

How many cells do I actually receive?

One cell per card. The listing has a minimum order of 20 cards in multiples of 20, so the smallest purchase is 20 separate cells.

Can this cell be recharged?

No. A CR lithium coin cell is a primary cell, intended to be used once and then recycled at a battery collection point rather than put back on charge.