The CR1220 is a small 3-volt lithium coin battery, about 12.5 mm wide and 2.0 mm thick. Its only exact equivalent is another battery labelled CR1220: the code is a standard IEC name, so any brand’s CR1220 has the same size and voltage. Energizer’s data sheet lists it as IEC CR1220 and ANSI 5012LC.
This guide uses Energizer’s data sheets to explain what the code means, how the CR1220 compares with the CR1216, CR1225 and CR1620, and whether you can swap them.
| CR1220 | |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | Lithium manganese dioxide |
| Nominal voltage | 3.0 V |
| Diameter | 12.25-12.50 mm |
| Height | 1.80-2.00 mm |
| Typical capacity | 37 mAh (to 2.0 V) |
| Weight | 0.8 g |
| Operating temperature | -30°C to 70°C (-22°F to 158°F) |
| Self-discharge | about 1% a year |
| Codes | IEC CR1220, ANSI 5012LC |
What is the equivalent of a CR1220 battery?
Another CR1220. Energizer’s cross-reference guide lists just one name for this size: CR1220. Brands sometimes add letters before or after the code, but the “CR1220” part is what tells you the size and chemistry. Match it to the code on your old battery.
There is no 1.5-volt button cell that replaces a CR1220. Cells like the LR44 or LR41 are alkaline, give half the voltage and are a different size.
What does CR1220 mean?
- C: lithium manganese dioxide chemistry, 3 volts
- R: round
- 12: about 12 mm wide
- 20: about 2.0 mm thick
The same pattern works for every CR coin cell. A CR2032 is about 20 mm wide and 3.2 mm thick; a CR1216 is about 12 mm wide and 1.6 mm thick.
CR1220 vs CR1216 vs CR1225
These three are the same width and the same 3 volts. They differ in thickness, and a thicker cell holds more energy:
| Battery | Diameter | Height | Typical capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR1216 | 12.20-12.50 mm | 1.40-1.60 mm | 25 mAh | 0.6 g |
| CR1220 | 12.25-12.50 mm | 1.80-2.00 mm | 37 mAh | 0.8 g |
| CR1225 | 12.20-12.50 mm | 2.20-2.50 mm | 50 mAh | 0.9 g |
Can I use a CR1225 or CR1216 instead of a CR1220?
Only if your device’s maker says so. The voltage is the same, but the thickness is not:
- CR1225: up to 0.5 mm thicker. It may not fit, or may press too hard on the contacts and the cover.
- CR1216: up to 0.4 mm thinner. It may sit loose and lose contact, so the device switches off or resets.
The safest choice is always the exact code on your old battery.
CR1220 vs CR1620
They are the same thickness (1.80-2.00 mm), but the CR1620 is much wider: 15.90-16.00 mm, against about 12.5 mm. A CR1620 will not fit a CR1220 holder. Energizer rates the CR1620 at 81 mAh, more than twice the CR1220.
Where CR1220 batteries are used
Energizer’s cross-reference guide lists watches, key fobs and calculators. Check the code in the manual or on the old battery before you buy.
How long does a CR1220 last?
It depends on the device. In Energizer’s continuous test, with a small load (62,000 ohms, about 0.046 mA), a CR1220 ran about 800 hours, roughly a month, before falling to 2.0 V. Devices that only draw power now and then, like a car key fob, can run far longer. Unused, a CR1220 loses only about 1% of its charge a year.
Coin battery safety
Energizer’s CR1220 data sheet warns that swallowing a coin battery may lead to serious injury or death in as little as 2 hours, from chemical burns. Keep new and used cells away from children and pets. If you think a child has swallowed one, get emergency medical help straight away. CR1220 cells are not rechargeable, so never try to charge one.
Related battery guides: CR2032 vs CR2025 vs CR2016, CR2450 vs CR2477, LR44 vs 357 and AA vs AAA batteries.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use CR1225 instead of CR1220?
Only if the device maker allows it. It is the same width and voltage but up to 0.5 mm thicker, so it may not fit.
Can I use CR1216 instead of CR1220?
It may fit but sit loose, because it is thinner. It also holds less energy (25 mAh against 37 mAh), so it runs out sooner.
What size is a CR1220 battery?
About 12.5 mm (0.49 in) across and 2.0 mm (0.08 in) thick. Energizer’s data sheet gives 12.25-12.50 mm by 1.80-2.00 mm.
What voltage is a CR1220?
3 volts nominal, twice the 1.5 volts of alkaline button cells like the LR44.
Is CR1220 the same as CR2032?
No. Both are 3 V lithium coin cells, but a CR2032 is about 20 mm wide and 3.2 mm thick, much bigger than a CR1220.
Is a CR1220 rechargeable?
No. It is a single-use lithium cell. Don’t put it in a charger or in a device built for rechargeable coin cells.
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