CR3032 and BR3032 Lithium Batteries

CR3032 and BR3032 are relatively large button/coin-cell batteries, often used in applications where a thin battery of relatively large capacity is needed.

Since they are based on the manganese-dioxide lithium and carbon-monofluoride lithium chemistries, CR3032 and BR3032 come with many similar features. But, they also differ in a few very important discharge features.

Published: September 12, 2022.

CR3032 and BR3032 Features and Specifications

CR3032 and BR3032 batteries feature physical dimensions of (D x H) 30.0 x 3.2 mm (~1.18110 x 0.12598 inches), and as such, they are one of the largest button/coin cell batteries.

But, they don't feature the largest capacity among the button/coin batteries since they are relatively thin, but more on that later.

CR3032 Battery

CR3032 battery is based on the non-rechargeable manganese-dioxide lithium chemistry and features an operating temperature range usually between -20°C (-4°F) and 70°C (158°F), although there are batteries that support even a broader temperature range.

The nominal voltage is 3.0V, with a cutoff voltage of 2.0V. A typical example of the CR3032 battery is the Panasonic CR3032 battery, with a typical capacity of ~500 mAh.

Very important features of CR3032 batteries are their low self-discharge rate (1-5% annually), which allows them to be stored for 3-10 years, model dependent.

Although the best results are achieved when the batteries are discharged using low currents, for example, ≤0.2 mA, they can also provide relatively strong current pulses, which is very important in remote controllers, car keys, timers, and similar electronic appliances.

BR3032 Battery

BR3032 battery is based on the carbon-monofluoride lithium chemistry and features an operating temperature range usually between -20°C (-4°F) and 85°C (185°F).

The nominal voltage of older batteries is 2.8 V, and the cutoff voltage is 2.25 V, while newer BR3032 batteries feature a nominal voltage of 3.0V and a cutoff voltage of 2.0V, making their output voltages very similar to the outputs of CR3032 batteries.

A typical example of the BR2032 battery is the Panasonic BR3032 battery, with a typical capacity of ~500 mAh.

When compared with CR3032 batteries, BR3032 batteries:

• generally have a broader operating temperature range,
• have a lower self-discharge rate, often ≤1% annually,
• have lower discharge currents, with a typical discharge rate of 0.03 mA,
• don't tolerate well high-drain pulses, etc.

BR3032 batteries are used almost exclusively as CMOS or memory batteries or in similar slow-discharge applications.

The following comparison chart lists several 30.0 x 3.2 mm batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Rechargeable LiR3032 Batteries

 Rechargeable 30.0 x 3.2 mm batteries are based on rechargeable lithium-ion chemistries and are labeled LiR3032 batteries.

They feature much lower capacity than typical CR3032 or BR3032 batteries (120-180 mAh vs. 500 mAh), but they can be recharged 300-500+ times, and they tolerate really strong discharge currents.

But, LiR3032 batteries also feature a much larger self-discharge rate, which limits their use. Also, their nominal voltage is usually in the 3.6-3.7 volts range, preventing them from being directly compatible with CR3032/BR3032 batteries unless explicitly stated (by the manufacturer of the device in question).

LiR3032 batteries are not nearly as popular as CR/BR3032 batteries.

High Capacity Button/Coin Cell Batteries

As we already mentioned, the typical capacity of the CR3032 battery is ~500 mAh, making them one of the button/coin cell batteries with the largest capacity, but not "the largest."

The following chart lists the capacities of typical, high-capacity lithium non-rechargeable button cells from the most popular/reputable brands:

As one can see, due to their thickness, CR3032 batteries have a lower capacity than CR2354, CR2450, and especially CR2477 batteries.

CR3032 vs. CR2032 Batteries

CR3032 and CR2032 batteries feature the very same:

• Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMn02) chemistry,
• a nominal (3.0V) and cut-off (2.0V) voltage,
• battery height (3.2 mm, 0.12598 inches).

However, they also in few very important details:

• capacity (500 mAh vs. 210-230 mAh),
• battery diameter (30.0 vs 20.0 mm),
• discharge currents (both pulse and standard continuous currents).

However, some manufacturers of low-current devices deliver their products with a CR2032 battery holder, allowing the users to power their units with either CR2032 or CR3032 batteries.

But, such examples are very rare...

Long Story Short: CR3032 and BR3032 batteries are not the most popular lithium 3.0V batteries on the market, but nonetheless, they shouldn't be a problem to find in local hardware or similar stores or online shops.

When looking for a new battery, always go for the models from reputable brands with good reviews by other users.