CR2450 vs CR2430: A Comparative Analysis

Basics on CR Series Coin Cell Batteries

CR series batteries are non-rechargeable lithium coin cells used for a wide range of small electronics. The notation follows a generic IEC name convention:

C signifies the battery uses lithium manganese dioxide chemistry

R stands for round shape

The initial two figures (24) are the diameter in millimeters

The remaining two (30 or 50) specify the thickness in tenths of a millimeter

Therefore, CR2450 is 24.5 mm in diameter and 5.0 mm in thickness, and CR2430 is 24.5 mm in diameter and 3.0 mm in thickness. They have the same diameter but different thickness and capacity.

Voltage Comparison:

CR2430 and CR2450 both support nominal voltage of 3.0 volts. Both are the same from the voltage perspective. That is, both can supply the same type of devices or circuits if the device only cares about the voltage.

But just matching voltage is not always the solution. Real performance, battery longevity, and if it even will fit in the battery receptacle is going to be contingent upon other qualities such as capacity and size.

Size and Physical Dimensions
Though both batteries are of equal diameter at 24.5 mm, the most notable difference is in thickness:

CR2450 is 5.0 mm thick

CR2430 is 3.0 mm in thickness

That 2 mm difference makes a difference in the amount of material inside the battery, and that, of course, makes a difference in the amount of energy it can contain. So if you’re considering swapping one out for the other, it will not be a drop-in unless the unit will accommodate a slightly thicker battery.

Capacity and Performance

This is one of the largest differences. CR2450 usually has a capacity of around 600 to 620 mAh. CR2430 is, however, around 270 to 300 mAh.

Therefore, the CR2450 really holds double the energy. That is, it’ll power devices that use high power or need to stay on for a long time much longer.

If you put a CR2430 into something that originally used a CR2450, it will probably work, but the battery will drain a lot faster.

Applications and Use Cases:

They’re both coin cells, and they’re both used in the same kind of devices but it just depends on how much power the device requires and how much room there is in the battery compartment.

CR2450 is utilized in:

• Medical equipment (i.e., thermometers, blood pressure monitors)
• Smartwatches and fitness trackers
• Car keys and key fobs
• LED flashlights
• CMOS backup on PC
• Security devices

CR2430 is used in:

• Basic digital watches
• Calculators
• Toys
• Keyless remote entry
• Pedometers
• Low-power remotes

So basically, if the device needs more power or a longer battery life, CR2450 is usually a better choice. If the device is straightforward and doesn’t need a lot of power, CR2430 will do.

Shelf Life and Reliability

Both batteries have excellent shelf life. They can last up to 10 years if they are stored correctly. They also have a low self-discharge rate of around 1% per year, so even if you keep them handy as spares, they won’t lose much charge over time.

But as CR2450 has greater energy stored within it, under constant or extreme use, it will also prove to last longer than CR2430.

Interchangeability:

Kind of, but not exactly. It can do it electrically since both are 3V batteries, but physically its only possible if there is enough space. You can swap a CR2430 with a CR2450 if absolutely necessary, but the life of the battery will decrease. But a CR2450 will never be possible where there is a CR2430 utilized unless the case or battery pocket is sufficiently deep. Always best to verify device specs before swapping them.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table