CR1616 vs CR1620 Specifications

The values above are based on the current PKCELL CR1616 product page, CR1620 product page, and corresponding technical specifications.

Both capacities are specified using continuous discharge through a 47 kΩ resistance to a 2.0 V cutoff at 23°C ±3°C. Because the test conditions match, the 50 mAh and 70 mAh ratings provide a useful controlled comparison. Actual device runtime will still depend on its load profile and cutoff voltage.

What Do CR1616 and CR1620 Mean?

The model codes provide a quick dimensional reference:

• CR identifies a round lithium manganese dioxide primary battery.
• 16 indicates an approximate diameter of 16 mm.
• 16 in CR1616 means approximately 1.6 mm thick.
• 20 in CR1620 means approximately 2.0 mm thick.

The code explains why these batteries look almost identical from above but differ when viewed from the side. It is also why reading the complete model number matters: matching the “CR16” portion alone is not enough.

The Key Physical Difference: 0.4 mm

A 0.4 mm difference sounds minor, but CR-series holders are designed to keep a small cell firmly pressed against electrical contacts. The battery must also fit beneath a cover, clip, or enclosure feature without excessive pressure.

If CR1616 is installed in a CR1620 holder

The thinner CR1616 may enter the compartment, but it can sit too loosely. Possible results include:

• Weak spring or terminal contact
• Intermittent operation during movement or vibration
• Unexpected resets or loss of stored settings
• Increased voltage drop across contaminated or oxidized contacts
• Shorter service life because CR1616 has less nominal capacity

If CR1620 is installed in a CR1616 holder

The thicker CR1620 may be difficult or impossible to install correctly. Forcing it into the compartment can:

• Prevent the battery cover from closing
• Deform the spring contact or retaining clip
• Place mechanical stress on the circuit board
• Damage the battery wrapper or cell structure
• Make future battery replacement more difficult

The same diameter and voltage do not make CR1616 and CR1620 direct replacements. Thickness is part of both the mechanical and electrical design.

Can CR1620 Replace CR1616?

Not as a general replacement. CR1620 provides the same nominal voltage and has the same diameter, but it is 0.4 mm thicker. A compartment designed specifically for CR1616 may not provide enough vertical clearance.

Extra capacity does not make a physically incompatible battery a suitable upgrade. Use CR1620 only if the device manual, holder drawing, or manufacturer explicitly states that both sizes are supported.

Can CR1616 Replace CR1620?

CR1616 may physically enter a CR1620 compartment because it is thinner. That does not guarantee reliable electrical contact. It also provides 20 mAh less nominal capacity, so its potential service interval is shorter under comparable operating conditions.

Do not use folded foil, metal shims, or other improvised conductive materials to compensate for the height difference. Such modifications can create a short circuit or damage the device.

Capacity and Expected Battery Life

PKCELL rates CR1616 at 50 mAh and CR1620 at 70 mAh. Under the same controlled capacity-test conditions, CR1620 therefore provides 40% more nominal capacity.

In a compatible low-drain device, this additional capacity can support a longer service interval. It does not guarantee that CR1620 will operate a specific device exactly 40% longer. Actual runtime also depends on:

• Standby and active current
• Pulse current and event frequency
• Device cutoff voltage
• Operating temperature
• Holder contact resistance
• Storage time before installation
• Battery manufacturing and test tolerances

A key fob, sensor, or medical device may spend most of its time in a low-current standby state and then draw a short pulse during transmission, measurement, or display operation. Capacity alone cannot predict whether the loaded voltage will stay above the circuit’s minimum requirement during that pulse.

Buyers comparing other cells in the same diameter family can also review PKCELL’s CR1620 vs CR1632 comparison.

CR1616 and CR1620 Equivalent Batteries

A correct brand cross-reference should preserve the same nominal voltage, chemistry, diameter, and thickness. Common references listed by PKCELL include:

A BR-prefixed model may share the same nominal dimensions but use lithium carbon monofluoride chemistry rather than the Li-MnO2 chemistry identified by CR. Confirm the voltage behavior, load capability, temperature range, and device approval before treating a BR model as an equivalent.

CR1632, CR2016, and CR2032 are not direct substitutes. CR1632 is much thicker, while CR2016 and CR2032 have a larger 20 mm diameter. Browse the PKCELL lithium button cell selection hub for a broader size comparison.

Which Battery Should You Choose?

For replacement use, following the original model is the safest approach. For a new device, the selection should balance enclosure height, target runtime, pulse demand, operating temperature, holder design, and long-term availability.

OEM Selection and Validation Checklist

1. Confirm the available space: Review the holder, PCB footprint, enclosure ribs, cover clearance, and dimensional tolerances.
2. Document the load profile: Record sleep current, active current, pulse magnitude, pulse duration, and event frequency.
3. Define the cutoff voltage: Determine when the circuit stops operating under both normal and pulse loads.
4. Test the temperature range: Measure loaded voltage and usable capacity at realistic minimum and maximum temperatures.
5. Select the mounting method: Decide between a replaceable holder and a factory-welded tab, pin, lead, or connector.
6. Validate production samples: Test representative batteries in the final PCB, enclosure, and operating cycle before mass production.

PKCELL supports standard cells and lithium button batteries with leads or tabs for PCB and OEM integration. Loose coin cells should not be soldered directly.

Safety and Handling

• Do not recharge CR1616 or CR1620 primary coin cells.
• Do not short-circuit, heat, puncture, crush, or disassemble the battery.
• Install the cell with the polarity specified by the device.
• Do not mix different models, brands, or old and new cells.
• Never force a thicker battery into an incompatible holder.
• Keep coin cells and devices with accessible battery compartments away from children.
• Recycle or dispose of used cells according to applicable local requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

CR1616 and CR1620 are both compact 16 mm, 3 V lithium coin cells, but they are not identical. CR1616 offers the slimmer 1.6 mm profile, while CR1620 uses an additional 0.4 mm of height to provide 70 mAh instead of 50 mAh nominal capacity.

For replacement, match the original model code. For OEM design, evaluate mechanical fit, current demand, cutoff voltage, temperature, and mounting structure before choosing either battery. Final compatibility should always be confirmed with the current datasheet and device testing.