Lithium CR2016, BR2016, LiR2016, DL2016, ECR2016, E-CR2016, SB-T11, 5000LC Battery Equivalents, and Replacements
Lithium CR2016, BR2016, LiR2016, DL2016, ECR2016, E-CR2016, SB-T11, 5000LC, etc. battery is lithium 3.0 volts non-rechargeable button/coin cell.
It is a very popular, low-profile battery commonly used in digital watches, credit-card size devices, remote controls, calculators, thermometers, etc.
Since practically all reputable battery brands manufacture these batteries, getting a new one shouldn't be a problem.
However, it is good to know a few additional things about these batteries ...
Updated: March 10, 2023.
Lithium CR2016 Features and Specifications
Lithium CR2016, BR2016, LiR2016, DL2016, ECR2016, E-CR2016, SB-T11, 5000LC, etc. batteries are lithium button/coin cell batteries featuring 20 mm (0.7874 inches) diameter and 1.6 mm (0.06299 inches) height, thus '2016' as part of their label.
The proper label for these batteries is CR2016 for manganese-dioxide lithium "2016" batteries and BR2016 for carbon-monofluoride lithium "2016" batteries.
Manganese-dioxide lithium CR2016 batteries have labels starting with the letter 'C.'
Generally, their operating temperature range is between -20°C (-4°F) and 70°C (158°F), with a nominal voltage of 3.0V, and a cutoff voltage of 2.0V.
The nominal capacity CR2016 battery is ~90 mAh, with a maximum continuous discharge current of 1 mA, a standard continuous discharge current of 0.1 mA, and a maximum pulse current in the 5 mA and 15 mAh range.
Note: Some manufacturers offer high- and low-drain CR2016 batteries optimized for different purposes. Also, the temperature range may differ, and there are some models with a temperature range even between -30°C (-22°F) to 85°C (185°F).
Carbon-monofluoride lithium 2016 batteries have labels starting with 'B' (BR2016). Generally, their operating temperature range is between -30°C (-22°F) and 85°C (185°F), with some models offering an even broader operating temperature range.
The nominal voltage of older BR2016 batteries is 2.8 V, with a cutoff voltage of 2.25 V - they feature a somewhat lower initial voltage, but their voltage is more stable. Thanks to the advances in chemistry, modern BR2016 batteries feature a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts and a cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts - very similar to the nominal and cutoff voltages of CR2016 batteries.
The nominal capacity of the BR2016 battery is slightly lower than the capacity of the CR2016 battery and ranges between 60-75 mAh. The nominal discharge current is ~0.03 mA (~30 μA).
While many CR2016 batteries feature a very low self-discharge rate, BR2016 batteries feature an even lower self-discharge rate; hence they are commonly used for applications like memory backup batteries and other similar very low-drain applications.
Lithium-ion rechargeable LiR2016 batteries are rare to find. They feature 3.6-3.7 volts nominal voltage and a nominal capacity of ~20-25 mAh.
LiR2016 are not as nearly common as CR2106 batteries - they have higher voltage (3.6-3.7 vs. 3.0 volts), lower capacity, and their self-discharge rate is higher.
But they can be recharged 500+ times using ONLY battery chargers intended for these batteries.
Unless explicitly stated by the device's manufacturer, never replace CR2016 or BR2016 battery with a LiR2016 battery - the voltage difference can damage or completely destroy the device.
CR2016 Cross Reference Chart
The following cross reference chart lists some of the most popular '2016' batteries and their most important features and specifications:
| Model | Capacity |
Self Discharge Rate |
Drain Current | Operating Temperature |
| Duracell CR2016 | 80 mAh, down to 2.0 volts, 15kΩ, @20°C | <2% annually @20°C | 0.1 mA cont. 5 mA cont. max 15 mA 1s pulse |
-20°C to +60°C |
| Energizer CR2016 | 100 mAh, down to 2.0 volts, 30kΩ, @21°C | ~1% annually @20°C | 0.1 mA cont. 6.8 mA 2s pulse |
-30°C to +60°C |
| GP Batteries CR2016 | 95 mAh, down to 2.0 volts, 30kΩ, @20±2°C | - | 4.0 mA cont. max. | - |
| Maxell CR2016 | 90 mAh | - | 0.1 mA cont. | -20°C to +85°C |
| muRata CR2016 | 90 mAh | - | - | -30°C to +70°C |
| Panasonic CR2016 | 90 mAh | - | 0.1 mA cont. | -30°C to +85°C |
| Renata CR2016 | 90 mAh | <1% annually @23°C | 0.2 mA cont. 3.0 mA cont. max. |
-30°C to +85°C |
| Varta CR2016 | 86 mAh, down to 2.0 volts, 15kΩ, @20°C | - | - | -20°C to +70°C |
Of course, there are other battery brands that offer high-quality CR2016 batteries, but here one can directly see what some of the most popular CR2016 batteries are able to withstand.
But, other brands are trying to establish themselves by offering good batteries at affordable prices.
Watch Battery CR2016
One of the most common uses of the CR2016 batteries is for powering digital watches.
As such, high-quality CR2016 batteries from reputable brands are highly recommended.
Such lithium CR2016 batteries commonly have a shelf life of 7-10 years, sometimes even more, a wide range of operating temperatures, at least 90 mAh capacity when drained down to 2.0 volts, and are leakproof.
Good capacity when the battery is drained with 0.1 mA current ensures that the battery can operate for a longer period of time, while a good pulse rating ensures proper operation of digital watches with alarms, LED lights, and other similar features that may require short but relatively strong currents.
And if the CR2016 battery is good enough for such use, it is then good for other uses as well, including key chain LED flashlights, remote controllers, Bluetooth sets, thermometers, CMOS memory backup, credit card size devices, etc.
CR2016 vs BR2016 vs LiR2016 Battery
The main advantages of the BR2016 batteries over CR2016 are low-self discharge rate and a broader temperature range.
However, with the advances in technologies, high-quality manganese-dioxide lithium batteries ('CR' 2016 batteries) feature a ~1% annual self-discharge rate and rather wide operating temperature range, coming very close to the BR2016 batteries.
Also, for devices requiring higher drain currents, BR2016 batteries are not a good choice.
Thus, many manufacturers are not even producing BR2016 batteries (at least not anymore), but they claim that their CR2016 batteries are replacements for BR2016 batteries - and they are.
With a 7-10+ year shelf-life and ~90 mAh capacity, CR2016 batteries from reputable brands are the proper choice when such batteries are required.
LiR2016 batteries - IMHO, although they can be recharged many times, their lower nominal capacity and voltage difference make them not very popular CR2016 battery replacement. Of course, there is also a voltage difference issue (3.6-3.7V vs. 3.0V) that some devices simply don't tolerate.
CR2016 vs CR2025 vs CR2032
CR2016, CR2025, and CR2032 feature the same battery diameter (20 mm), but the CR2016 battery features one-half the height of the CR2032 battery and is very close to the height of the CR2025 battery (1.6 vs. 2.5 mm).
Some devices allow using two CR2016 batteries instead of one CR2032 in order to achieve higher voltage without requiring special DC-DC converters.
Devices that are powered with CR2032 batteries, not having explicitly written by their manufacturers that they can be powered using a pair of CR2016 instead of a single CR2032 battery, should NOT be powered using CR2016 batteries - 6.0 vs. 3.0 volts difference can easily damage sensitive electronic equipment.
Some devices that use CR2016 batteries may accept a single CR2025 battery instead of a single CR2016 battery - since the CR2025 battery features a larger capacity and is able to provide stronger currents, a single CR2025 battery may replace a single CR2016 battery if there are no issues with contacts and battery compartment deformation.
On the other hand, if the battery compartment intended for the CR2025 battery may firmly accept the CR2016 battery, then the CR2016 battery may replace a single CR2025 battery, but one must be aware that the CR2016 battery features lower capacity and is not able to provide as strong currents as CR2025 battery and it may not last as nearly as CR2025 battery.
Personally, check the documentation that comes with the device in question and check what batteries are allowed.
DL2016 vs CR2016 vs ECR2016
Standard labels for lithium non-rechargeable '2016' batteries are CR2016, BR2016, or 5000LC, depending on the chemistry and standard.
However, to make things more "interesting," some manufacturers also use their own labels, for example:
- Duracell CR2016 battery is often labeled as DL2016,
- Energizer CR2016 battery is often labeled as ECR2016, etc.
But, practically all manufacturers also add CR2016 and other labels on the packages to inform the users that their CR2016 battery is equivalent to CR2016 batteries from other manufacturers.
CR2016 Battery Frequently Asked Questions - CR2016 FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions about CR2016 batteries:
What is a CR2016 battery?
CR2016 battery is a non-rechargeable lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) battery featuring physical dimensions of (D x H) 20 x 1.6 mm, a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, a cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts, and a nominal capacity of 85-100 mAh.
How many volts should a CR2016 battery have?
Brand new CR2016 battery should have ~3.0 volts. During normal operation, the voltage drops down to 2.7-2.8 volts, and when the battery is almost discharged, the voltage sharply drops down to 2.0 volts.
Are all CR2016 batteries the same?
Although all CR2016 batteries feature the same chemistry and physical dimensions, they may differ in actual capacity, discharge features, self-discharge rate, operating temperature range, and similar.
Can I replace a CR2016 battery with a CR2032?
Generally, no, a single CR2016 battery cannot be replaced by a single CR2032 battery. Some battery compartments intended for CR2016 batteries do accept CR2016, CR2020, CR2025, and CR2032 batteries, but that must be explicitly written and allowed by the device's manufacturer - please, check the documentation that came with your device.
What is the difference between a CR2032 and a CR2016 battery?
The main difference is the height (3.2 vs 1.6 mm), capacity, and drain currents.
What battery can replace CR2016?
Lithium 3.0V batteries that are labeled as ECR2016, DL2016, E-CR2016, SB-T11, 5000LC, and similar can replace CR2016 batteries since they are different labels for the same battery - CR2016 battery.
Is a CR2016 the same as a CR2025? Are CR2016 and CR2025 interchangeable?
No, these batteries differ in height (1.6 vs. 2.5 mm), and they are not interchangeable unless permitted by the device's manufacturer - check the documentation that came with your device.
What are CR2016 batteries used for?
CR2016 batteries are used for digital watches, credit-card size devices, remote controls, calculators, thermometers, Bluetooth sets, wearable electronics, CMOS memory, key chain LED flashlights, etc.
Where to buy a CR2016 battery?
CR2016 batteries are very common batteries, offered at many online shops, office products stores, hardware stores, etc.
How long does a CR2016 battery last?
When the batteries are stored at room temperature, they may last 5-10 years. When used, their operating life depends on the device and its drain features.
CR2016 Safety Issues
Modern CR2016, BR2016, and LiR2016 batteries are made using no lead, cadmium, and similar heavy metals, but they are nonetheless dangerous when swallowed.
With a 20mm diameter, they are not easy to swallow, but just in case, keep them away from kids and pets. And if something like that happens, call emergency services right away.
Although they don't contain heavy elements, they can cause electrolytic reactions in the body that may be very harmful.
Fortunately, most CR2016 and similar batteries come in 'children safe' packages, making them generally inaccessible to children. IMHO, a very determined kid with scissors can open even such packages...
Long Story Short: If you are looking for a CR2016 battery replacement, consider a CR2016 battery from reputable brands, especially if you need it for digital watches, PDAs, and similar.
They feature a long shelf-life, ~90 mAh capacity when drained slowly, tolerate high-drain currents (~1m Ah, at least general purpose and high-drain models), operate well in wide temperature range, etc.
