Coin cells like LR44 and CR2032 look almost identical, similar size, similar shape, similar silver colour, but LR44 is alkaline and CR2032 is lithium, and putting the wrong chemistry in a device can mean it doesn't work at all, or fails much sooner than expected.
Alkaline: LR44/LR41/LR43/LR54
Lithium: CR2032
Alkaline vs lithium coin cell at a glance
| Alkaline coin cell | Lithium coin cell | |
|---|---|---|
| Common codes | LR44, LR41, LR43, LR54, 23A, 27A | CR2032, CR2430, CR2450, CR123A, CR2477, CR2020 |
| Voltage | 1.5V | 3V |
| Typical devices | Small toys, laser pointers, calculators, some watches, lower-drain electronics | Car key fobs, motherboard CMOS battery, glucose monitors, higher-drain electronics |
| Shelf life | Shorter, self-discharges faster | Longer, often 5-10 years unused |
| Cold performance | Weaker in cold conditions | Performs better in cold |
Can I substitute one for the other?
Generally, no, even if the physical size happens to match. A device designed for a 1.5V alkaline cell can behave unpredictably or fail to work correctly on a 3V lithium cell, since it's double the voltage the circuit expects. The reverse, putting a 1.5V alkaline cell into a device designed for 3V lithium, usually just means the device won't have enough power to run at all. Always match the exact code printed on your old battery or in the device manual, not just the physical size.
The most common mix-up: LR44 vs CR2032
These two get confused constantly because they're both small silver coin cells sold near each other in shops. LR44 is a 1.5V alkaline button cell about 11.6mm wide and 5.4mm thick, common in small toys and laser pointers. CR2032 is a 3V lithium coin cell about 20mm wide and 3.2mm thick, common in car key fobs and motherboards, and is noticeably larger in diameter than LR44 despite the confusion. If you're not sure which one your device needs, check the exact code printed on the old cell, LR44 and CR2032 are not interchangeable despite both being called "button batteries" or "coin cells."
For the closely related LR44 family specifically (LR44, LR41, LR43, LR54, and their AG-prefixed equivalents), see our dedicated guide: LR44 vs LR54 Explained.
Why lithium costs more
Lithium coin cells generally cost more per cell than alkaline equivalents. That's a genuine cost difference in the cell chemistry itself, not just brand markup, reflected in the longer shelf life and steadier voltage output over the cell's life that lithium provides. For a device that's rarely opened, like a car key fob, that longer shelf life is usually worth the higher price; for something you replace often anyway, the cheaper alkaline option may make more sense if your device is actually designed for it.
Related products
Browse our Alkaline & Heavy Duty Batteries for LR44, LR54, AA, AAA, AAAA and 9V options, or see the wider lithium range in Coin Cell Batteries.
Frequently asked questions
Is LR44 the same as CR2032?
No. LR44 is a 1.5V alkaline button cell, CR2032 is a 3V lithium coin cell, and they are different sizes despite both being commonly called "button batteries." Check the exact code on your device or old battery.
Can I use a lithium coin cell in a device made for alkaline?
Not recommended. The higher 3V output from lithium can be too much for a circuit designed around 1.5V alkaline, potentially causing the device to malfunction or, in some cases, damaging sensitive components.
Why does my car key fob specifically need a lithium cell?
Key fobs typically need the steady voltage output and long shelf life lithium coin cells provide, since the fob sits mostly unused between presses and needs to still work reliably years later. This is why CR2032 and CR2430 are the standard choice for key fobs, not alkaline equivalents.
How do I know which exact code my device needs?
Check the printed code on the old battery being replaced, or the device's manual or battery compartment sticker. The code (like LR44 or CR2032) is the reliable identifier, physical size alone can be misleading since some alkaline and lithium cells are similar dimensions.