CR1220 Battery Equivalent Guide: Cross Reference, Size, and Replacement Tips

4/6/2026 5:48:17 AM

The CR1220 is a compact 3V lithium coin cell widely used in small electronic products that need dependable backup or low-drain power. Buyers often search for CR1220 equivalents because this battery can appear under different brand-specific part numbers, while engineers often need to compare it with nearby sizes such as CR1216 and CR1225 before selecting a replacement.

This guide explains the key specifications of the CR1220, shows common equivalent part numbers, compares nearby sizes, and outlines when a replacement is safe and when it is not.

CR1220 Specifications

The CR1220 is a lithium manganese dioxide coin cell. The "CR" prefix typically refers to lithium chemistry, while "1220" refers to its approximate size: about 12.5 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in thickness.

  • Chemistry: Lithium manganese dioxide (Li/MnO2)
  • Nominal voltage: 3V
  • Diameter: 12.5 mm
  • Thickness: 2.0 mm
  • Typical capacity: around 35–40 mAh, depending on brand and discharge conditions
  • Type: Non-rechargeable coin cell

Note: Always check the device specification first. Even when a battery has the same diameter, a different thickness can cause poor contact, loose fit, or pressure damage inside the battery compartment.

CR1220 Battery Equivalent

In many cases, users search for a battery equivalent because the original device lists a brand-specific part number instead of the generic CR1220 name. Common equivalent or cross-reference labels include the following:

  • DL1220
  • ECR1220
  • BR1220
  • LM1220
  • KCR1220
  • SB-T13

These labels are often used by different manufacturers or retailers for batteries in the same size and voltage class. Even so, actual performance can vary by brand, shelf life, temperature behavior, and discharge profile.

CR1220 Cross Reference Chart

Generic Model Common Equivalent Labels Voltage Size Notes
CR1220 DL1220, ECR1220 3V 12.5 × 2.0 mm Most common general reference
CR1220 BR1220 3V 12.5 × 2.0 mm Same nominal size, may differ by chemistry profile depending on brand family
CR1220 LM1220, KCR1220 3V 12.5 × 2.0 mm Alternative catalog naming seen in some markets
CR1220 SB-T13 3V 12.5 × 2.0 mm Alternate reference name used by some suppliers

Common CR1220 Applications

Because the CR1220 is small and lightweight, it is typically used in compact electronic devices where space is limited and power demand is modest. Common examples include:

  • Key fobs and remote entry devices
  • Watches and slim portable electronics
  • Calculators and memory backup functions
  • Small toys and electronic gadgets
  • Portable medical devices such as glucose meters
  • Compact sensors and low-power modules

CR1216 vs CR1220 vs CR1225

These three batteries share the same approximate diameter but differ in thickness. That makes them easy to confuse during replacement.

Characteristic CR1216 CR1220 CR1225
Dimensions 12.5 × 1.6 mm 12.5 × 2.0 mm 12.5 × 2.5 mm
Nominal voltage 3V 3V 3V
Typical capacity ~25 mAh 35–40 mAh ~50 mAh
Fit risk May be too thin Correct size May be too thick

Replacement and Safety Tips

Can CR1220 replace CR1225?

Usually, it is not recommended. Although both cells have a similar diameter and the same nominal voltage, the thickness is different. A thinner CR1220 may fail to make reliable contact in a CR1225 compartment.

Can CR1225 replace CR1220?

Also not recommended unless the device manufacturer explicitly allows it. The extra thickness can stress the holder or prevent proper closure.

Can I replace ML1220 with CR1220?

No. ML1220 is a rechargeable coin cell, while CR1220 is a non-rechargeable lithium manganese dioxide battery. They are not interchangeable in charging applications.

Is CR1220 rechargeable?

No. CR1220 is generally a primary, non-rechargeable coin cell. Rechargeable alternatives usually use different prefixes, such as ML or LIR.

How long does a CR1220 battery last?

Battery life depends on the device load, storage conditions, and ambient temperature. In low-drain devices, it may last many months to over a year, but high-drain or always-on loads can shorten service life significantly.

FAQ

What is the CR1220 battery equivalent?
Common equivalent labels include DL1220, ECR1220, BR1220, LM1220, KCR1220, and SB-T13.

What is a CR1220 used for?
It is commonly used in watches, key fobs, calculators, toys, portable medical devices, and other compact electronics.

Is BR1220 the same as CR1220?
They share the same size class and nominal voltage, but performance characteristics can vary depending on chemistry family and manufacturer.

Can I use CR1216 instead of CR1220?
Not as a reliable long-term substitute. It is thinner and may not maintain stable contact.

Need coin cell batteries or alternative parts for your project?
This article can also be used as a supporting content page for battery category pages, search result pages, or RFQ pages related to coin cell batteries and compact power solutions.

  • Check available stock for CR1220 batteries
  • Send RFQ for CR1220 and equivalent coin cell batteries

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