A button battery voltage chart shows the nominal and terminal voltages of various coin cell batteries, helping users match the right battery to their device.
These small, round batteries might seem insignificant, but they power many essential devices—watches, hearing aids, key fobs, medical devices, and more. Using the wrong battery or misjudging voltage can damage your electronics or cause them to underperform. That’s why understanding the voltage levels—both when new and near depletion—is crucial.
Did you know that most lithium coin cells have a nominal voltage of 3V while alkaline and silver oxide button cells typically operate at 1.5V? This simple difference can make or break a device’s performance. Whether you’re a parent replacing a toy battery or a technician calibrating a medical tool, this chart will serve as your go-to reference. It simplifies the process of identifying voltage specs, understanding battery chemistry, and ensuring device compatibility.
Best Button Batteries for Everyday Use
Choosing the right button battery can feel overwhelming with all the types available. Below are three top-rated button batteries that consistently deliver reliable performance for everyday devices:
Energizer 2032 Lithium Coin Cell (3V)
Why we picked it: Delivers long-lasting power, especially for devices like key fobs, glucose monitors, and remotes. Trusted by millions for its consistency and shelf life of up to 10 years.
Duracell 357/303 Silver Oxide Button Battery (1.55V)
Why we picked it: Offers stable voltage output, making it perfect for precision devices like watches and digital thermometers. It also resists leakage, even in high-drain applications.
Renata CR1632 Lithium Battery (3V)
Why we picked it: Manufactured in Switzerland with high quality control standards. Excellent for car keys, medical devices, and small electronics requiring consistent 3V performance.
What Does a Button Battery Voltage Chart Look Like?
A button battery voltage chart provides a quick reference to the nominal voltage, chemistry, and size codes of various coin cell batteries. This chart is essential for choosing the right battery that matches your device’s power needs and physical fitting.
Comprehensive Button Battery Voltage Chart
| Battery Type | Common Sizes | Nominal Voltage | Chemistry | Typical Uses |
| Lithium (3V) | CR2032, CR2025, CR1632 | 3.0V | Lithium Manganese Dioxide | Key fobs, fitness trackers, glucometers |
| Silver Oxide (1.55V) | SR626SW, SR44, SR621SW | 1.55V | Silver Oxide | Watches, calculators, hearing aids |
| Alkaline (1.5V) | LR44, LR41, LR1130 | 1.5V | Alkaline | Toys, laser pointers, clocks |
| Zinc Air (1.45V) | PR41, PR48 | 1.45V | Zinc Air | Hearing aids |
| Mercury Oxide (1.35V) | MR44, MR9 (mostly discontinued) | 1.35V | Mercury Oxide (toxic, phased out) | Vintage cameras, some medical devices |
Understanding the Columns:
- Nominal Voltage: The standard output voltage of the battery when new.
- Chemistry: Impacts voltage stability, shelf life, and application.
- Common Sizes: Often listed on packaging or device manuals.
- Typical Uses: Helps you identify the right battery for your gadget.
Important Tips:
- A CR2032 means: “C” (Lithium), “R” (Round), 20mm diameter, 3.2mm thickness.
- Always match both voltage and size code—not just one.
- Never substitute a 3V lithium coin cell with a 1.5V alkaline—voltage mismatch can cause malfunction.
This chart ensures you don’t make accidental substitutions that could underpower or damage your electronics.
How Can You Test the Voltage of a Button Battery?
You can test the voltage of a button battery using tools like a multimeter, battery tester, or even a simple LED circuit. Each method helps determine if your battery still has enough charge or needs replacing. Here are the most reliable testing methods and how to perform them:
Using a Digital Multimeter
Procedure:
- Turn on your multimeter and set it to DC voltage mode (usually marked as “V⎓”).
- Locate the battery terminals: The flat side is the positive (+), and the bottom is the negative (−).
- Place the red probe on the positive side and the black probe on the negative side.
- Read the voltage on the display.
- For a 3V battery (like CR2032), a good reading is around 2.9V–3.0V.
- Anything below 2.5V usually means it’s weak or dying.
Pro tip: Hold the battery firmly in place to avoid probe slippage and false readings.
Using a Button Battery Tester
Procedure:
- Buy a compatible coin cell battery tester—many are affordable and made specifically for button cells.
- Insert the battery into the tester’s slot or connect its terminals as per the manual.
- View the meter or digital display—it typically shows:
- Green (Good)
- Yellow (Weak)
- Red (Replace)
This is ideal for quick testing if you frequently handle button batteries.
Using a Simple LED Circuit (DIY Method)
Procedure:
- Get a small LED (red, green, or white works well).
- Hold the long leg of the LED (positive) to the battery’s flat side.
- Touch the short leg (negative) to the battery’s bottom.
- Observe:
- If the LED lights up brightly, the battery is still good.
- If dim or no light shows, the battery may be weak or dead.
Note: This won’t give you exact voltage but is handy for quick go/no-go testing.
What Voltage is Too Low for a Button Battery?
Any voltage reading that falls below 80% of a button battery’s nominal voltage is typically considered too low for reliable device performance. While the exact “too low” threshold depends on battery chemistry and device sensitivity, most electronics will stop functioning properly before the battery is fully drained.
Low Voltage Thresholds by Battery Type
| Battery Type | Nominal Voltage | Too Low Voltage (Replace Below) |
| Lithium (CR2032) | 3.0V | Below 2.5V |
| Silver Oxide | 1.55V | Below 1.2V |
| Alkaline (LR44) | 1.5V | Below 1.1V |
| Zinc Air (Hearing Aids) | 1.45V | Below 1.1V |
Why It Matters:
- Digital devices like thermometers and key fobs may stop working even if some voltage remains.
- Analog watches or hearing aids might still operate at reduced performance, but features like alarms may fail.
Signs of a Low Voltage Battery:
- Flickering displays
- Weak sound output
- Dim LEDs or fading screen contrast
- Unresponsive buttons or intermittent function
What to Do:
- Always test before replacing.
- Don’t wait for complete failure—many devices act up long before the battery is fully drained.
- If your reading is borderline (e.g., 2.4V for a CR2032), consider replacing if the device is showing signs of malfunction.
Knowing the “too low” voltage point helps extend your device’s life and keeps performance optimal.
Why Do Button Battery Voltages Vary Even When They’re New?
Button battery voltages can vary when new due to differences in chemistry, brand manufacturing tolerances, and environmental storage conditions. This variation is usually normal and doesn’t mean the battery is faulty—unless the reading is significantly lower than expected.
Different Battery Chemistries = Different Starting Voltages
- Lithium batteries (like CR2032) start at 3.0V, but some high-end models may read up to 3.2V when fresh.
- Silver Oxide batteries often show a slightly higher initial voltage (1.58V) compared to their rated 1.55V.
- Alkaline button cells can fluctuate more, reading 1.6V when brand new but dropping faster under load.
These small variances are a result of how each battery chemistry behaves when it’s fresh and unused.
Brand Manufacturing Differences
- Top brands like Energizer, Duracell, and Renata often deliver slightly higher and more consistent starting voltages.
- Generic or no-name brands may show lower voltages, often around 2.8V for lithium or 1.45V for silver oxide, even when sealed.
Batch age and production quality also play a role—older batteries may read lower, even if never used.
Storage Conditions Affect Voltage
- Heat and humidity can degrade batteries in storage, even if the packaging is sealed.
- Storing in a cool, dry place (around 15–20°C) helps preserve maximum voltage output.
Can You Recharge Button Batteries?
Most button batteries are not rechargeable and attempting to recharge them can be dangerous and lead to leakage, rupture, or even explosion. However, a few specific types are designed to be recharged—these are known as rechargeable lithium-ion coin cells.
Non-Rechargeable Button Batteries: Never Attempt to Recharge
These common types are strictly single-use:
- CR-series (e.g., CR2032, CR2025) – Lithium
- LR-series (e.g., LR44, LR1130) – Alkaline
- SR-series (e.g., SR626, SR44) – Silver Oxide
- Zinc Air (e.g., PR41) – Hearing aids
Why not recharge them?
- They lack internal circuitry to control charging safely.
- Applying current may cause gas buildup, overheating, or rupture.
- There’s no benefit—they won’t hold a charge even if they survive the attempt.
Rechargeable Coin Cells: The Exception
These are safe to recharge if properly labeled and paired with the right charger:
| Battery Type | Example Code | Nominal Voltage | Chemistry |
| Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) | LIR2032, ML2032 | 3.6V – 3.7V | Lithium-ion Rechargeable |
| Nickel-Metal Hydride | NiMH Button Cell | 1.2V | Rechargeable NiMH |
Always check the label— “LIR” or “ML” indicates rechargeability, while “CR” or “SR” means it’s not.
Safety Tips:
- Only use dedicated chargers for rechargeable coin cells.
- Never mix rechargeable and non-rechargeable cells in a device.
- Dispose of spent non-rechargeables responsibly at battery recycling centers.
Conclusion
Button battery voltage is crucial for keeping your small devices working safely and efficiently. A button battery voltage chart helps you identify the correct voltage, chemistry, and size, ensuring device compatibility and preventing performance issues. From recognizing when a battery is too weak, to testing it accurately and knowing which ones you should never recharge, you’re now equipped to make better choices.
Whether you’re replacing a battery in a watch, hearing aid, or key fob, always check the voltage and type before making substitutions. When in doubt, refer back to the chart and methods we’ve outlined.
Frequently Asked Questions About Button Battery Voltage Chart
What does “nominal voltage” mean in a button battery?
Nominal voltage refers to the standard or average voltage a battery provides when it’s new and under minimal load. For example, a CR2032 lithium battery has a nominal voltage of 3.0V. This value helps match batteries to compatible devices. However, freshly manufactured batteries might read slightly higher, and this is normal.
Can I replace a 1.55V silver oxide battery with a 1.5V alkaline?
Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. Silver oxide batteries provide a more stable voltage over time, which is essential in devices like watches or glucometers. Alkaline versions may cause early power drops or inconsistent behavior. Always check your device’s manual for recommended replacements.
How long do button batteries typically last?
Shelf life depends on chemistry:
- Lithium: up to 10 years
- Silver oxide: 3–5 years
- Alkaline: 1–2 years
- Zinc air (once exposed to air): only a few weeks
Battery life once in use depends on the device’s power draw.
What is the difference between CR and LR batteries?
- CR batteries are lithium-based (3V), longer-lasting, and better for high-drain electronics.
- LR batteries are alkaline-based (1.5V) and cheaper but degrade faster.
Never swap them unless the device supports both, as the voltage difference can damage sensitive electronics.
Where can I find button battery recycling centers?
Most electronics stores, battery retailers, and big-box chains like Best Buy or Home Depot offer battery recycling drop-offs. Always dispose of used batteries properly—they contain materials that should not go in household trash.