Ask most people to name a coin battery and they'll say CR2032, and fair enough, it's the one in half the drawer. But open up a car key fob, a slim BIOS-backup slot, or a fitness tracker, and you'll often find something else entirely — a size that looks almost the same at a glance but isn't interchangeable. These six sizes get overlooked because they're less common, not because they're less needed.
CR1616 — fitness trackers and keyless entry remotes
A slim 16mm-diameter cell, common in fitness trackers, some keyless entry fobs, and slim calculators. Easy to mistake for a CR2016 or CR1620 at a glance — check the full code, not just the diameter.
CR1620 — digital thermometers and car key fobs
Slightly thicker than the CR1616 despite the same 16mm diameter (the last two digits are the height in tenths of a millimetre — 20 vs 16). A common size in car remotes and digital thermometers.
CR1220 — slim calculators and motherboard BIOS backup
A smaller 12mm-diameter cell, often tucked inside slim calculators and used for BIOS/CMOS backup on some motherboards. Easy to lose track of since it's rarely swapped.
CR1216 — compact medical devices and sensors
The thinnest of the 12mm-diameter cells here, used in compact medical devices, glucose meters, and small sensors where space is tight.
CR3032 — higher-capacity remotes and automotive entry systems
A larger 30mm-diameter cell with more capacity, found in some automotive keyless entry systems and higher-drain remote controls.
CR2354 — advanced automotive entry systems and specialised remotes
Also 23mm diameter but taller than a CR2325, used in some higher-end automotive entry systems and specialised remote controls.
Why you can't just grab a CR2032 instead
The numbering isn't arbitrary: the first two digits are the diameter in millimetres, the last two are the height in tenths of a millimetre. A CR1616 and a CR1620 share a diameter but differ in height — close enough to look right, wrong enough to not make contact properly or fit the compartment at all. Always match the full four-digit code printed on the old cell, not just “about the same size.”
We stock genuine Panasonic CR1616, CR1620, CR1220, CR1216, CR3032 and CR2354 batteries individually, in 1, 2, or 5-piece packs — no need to buy a mixed assortment when you only need one size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which of these six sizes I need?
Check the four-digit code printed directly on your old battery — it's the most reliable way. If it's worn off, the device manual or manufacturer's spec sheet will list the exact battery code required.
Can I substitute a similar-looking size if I can't find the exact one?
Not safely. Even a 0.4mm difference in height can prevent proper contact or stop the battery compartment from closing. Always match the full code.
Do these all use the same voltage?
Yes — all six are 3V lithium manganese dioxide cells, the same chemistry as the more common CR2032. Only the physical dimensions differ.
Why buy individually instead of a mixed assortment pack?
A mixed pack often leaves you with extra sizes you'll never use. Buying just the size you need, in the quantity you need, is usually better value unless you're stocking multiple devices at once.
