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Coin lithium (CR)

BR2032 battery: equivalents & specs

The BR2032 looks identical to a CR2032 but uses carbon monofluoride chemistry: 3 volts, 20 by 3.2 mm, about 190 mAh. It trades some capacity and pulse power for operation from roughly -30 to +80 degrees C and exceptionally low self-discharge.

BR2032 battery drawing: 20 mm across, 3.2 mm thick BR2032 3V + ⌀ 20 mm 3.2 mm
BR2032, face and side profile, drawn to scale: 20 mm across, 3.2 mm thick.
Voltage
3 V
Size (D×H)
20 × 3.2 mm
Chemistry
Lithium carbon monofluoride (Li/CFx)
Capacity
190 mAh

Compatible replacements

  • CR2032: Standard chemistry in the same case: more capacity and pulse current, narrower temperature range.

Buying and replacement notes

Engineers specify BR2032 where a CR2032 would cook or freeze: engine-bay modules, tire sensors, gear left in vehicles year-round. Its discharge voltage also runs slightly lower (around 2.8 V under load), which memory-backup circuits tolerate happily but some consumer devices interpret as a weak battery. Swap direction matters: a CR2032 in a BR socket risks heat failure; a BR2032 in a CR socket merely gives a lower, longer plateau.

Commonly used in

automotive modulestire pressure sensorsindustrial memory backupoutdoor equipment

Need a replacement?

Shop BR2032 batteries on Amazon →

Comparisons

CR2032 vs BR2032

⚠️ Keep away from children. Swallowed button batteries, especially 20 mm lithium coins, cause severe injury within hours. If a child swallows one, call the 24/7 National Battery Ingestion Hotline (US) at 800-498-8666 or poison control at 800-222-1222 immediately. What every parent should know.

Frequently asked questions

Is the BR2032 interchangeable with the CR2032?
Physically yes, both are 20 x 3.2 mm at a nominal 3 V. Indoors, a CR2032 substitutes fine and delivers more capacity. In high-heat or sub-freezing locations, keep the BR2032; standard CR chemistry degrades quickly outside about -20 to +60 degrees C.
Why did my device ship with a BR2032?
Its designer expected temperature extremes or a very long service life. BR cells self-discharge at well under half the CR rate and survive a decade or more in standby roles, which suits tire sensors, data loggers and industrial memory backup.
Does the BR2032 work in a key fob?
It will, but it is not ideal. Fob radios draw brief current spikes, and BR chemistry delivers pulses less strongly, so transmit range may suffer, particularly in the cold. A quality CR2032 is the better fit for remotes unless the maker says otherwise.

More Coin lithium (CR) cells

CR927CR1025CR1130CR1216CR1220CR1225BR1225CR1616CR1620CR1632