“Coin cell” covers half a dozen different chemistries that look alike but behave nothing alike — 1.5 V alkaline, 1.55 V silver oxide, 3 V lithium, 3.6 V rechargeable. Choosing for a product means matching four things: chemistry, size, terminal type and how it will be assembled. Here is the framework buyers and engineers actually use.
Step 1 — Pick the chemistry
| Prefix | Chemistry | Voltage | Rechargeable | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR | Lithium (Li-MnO2) | 3.0 V | No | Motherboards, key fobs, meters, long life |
| LIR | Lithium-ion | 3.6 V | Yes (~500 cycles) | Wearables, TWS earbuds, backup |
| ML | Manganese-lithium | 3.0 V | Yes | Memory/RTC backup, long cycle life |
| SR | Silver oxide | 1.55 V | No | Watches, calipers, precision devices |
| LR | Alkaline | 1.5 V | No | Toys, calculators, low-cost devices |
The first decision is voltage and whether the cell must recharge. A 3 V CR cell and a 1.5 V LR cell are not substitutes even if they are the same diameter.
Step 2 — Read the size code
The four-digit number is the dimensions: first two digits are the diameter in millimetres, last two are the height in tenths of a millimetre. A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm tall; a CR1220 is 12 mm across and 2.0 mm tall. Same code system applies to LIR, ML and SR cells, so the size is readable at a glance once you know the rule.
Step 3 — Choose the terminal type
For consumer replacement, a bare cell in a holder is fine. For products where the cell is assembled onto a board, specify terminals up front:
- Bare cell — used with a separate battery holder for user-replaceable designs.
- Solder tabs / pins — welded to the cell for direct PCB mounting (2-pin, 3-pin, horizontal or vertical).
- Wire leads & connectors — for cells mounted away from the board.
Step 4 — Check temperature and current
If the device runs hot or cold, confirm the operating range (lithium CR cells handle -30 °C to +70 °C). If it sends radio bursts, confirm the cell’s pulse capability. For years-long unattended life in harsh conditions, step up to a Li-SOCl2 cell instead of a coin cell.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace a CR2032 with a rechargeable LIR2032?
Only if the device is designed to charge it. A LIR2032 is 3.6 V versus 3.0 V for a CR2032, and it self-discharges faster, so it is not a drop-in replacement for a non-charging device.
What is the difference between SR and LR button cells of the same size?
Silver oxide (SR) holds a steadier 1.55 V and lasts longer, which is why watches use it; alkaline (LR) is cheaper at 1.5 V and fine for toys and low-drain devices.
Source every chemistry from one factory
JBWCELL manufactures CR, LIR, ML, SR and LR button cells with bare, solder-tab or wire-lead terminals. Contact us for datasheets, samples and bulk OEM/ODM supply.
