CR123 vs CR123A

Two designations for one 3 V single-use lithium cell at 17 × 34.5 mm. CR123A superseded CR123 and is what is sold today.

Quick answer

The same battery. CR123A is the proper designation for this 3 volt single-use lithium cell, and CR123 is the shorthand everyone uses for it — in manuals, in listings and in conversation. There is no separate CR123 product to buy. If your device asks for a CR123, a CR123A is what it means.

Verdict:: The same cell — CR123A is the current designation
Interchangeable:: yes — the same cell under two codes

Side-by-side specifications

CR123 compared with CR123A
Specification	CR123	CR123A
Chemistry	Lithium	Lithium
Type	Cylindrical	Cylindrical
Nominal voltage	3 V	3 V
Diameter	17 mm	17 mm
Height	34.5 mm	34.5 mm
Typical capacity	1300–1500 mAh	1400–1600 mAh
Rechargeable	No	No
Also sold as	CR17345, 123	CR17345, DL123A, EL123A, 123

Size comparison

CR123

Ø 17 mm · H 34.5 mm

CR123A

Ø 17 mm · H 34.5 mm

Both cells share an identical 17 × 34.5 mm footprint, so physical fit is not the deciding factor here.

One cell, two ways of writing it

The standardised name is CR123A, catalogued under IEC as CR17345. CR123 is an abbreviation of it rather than a predecessor product — the two names have never described different cells.

What you will actually find

Retailers stock CR123A. A listing offering a plain CR123 is the same cell described loosely, and the specification printed on the cell itself will read CR123A.

Neither is rechargeable

Both are primary lithium cells. The rechargeable cell in this shape is the 16340, sold as RCR123A, and it runs at a higher voltage.

Can I use a CR123A instead of a CR123?

Yes. The CR123 and the CR123A are the same cell — 17 × 34.5 mm, 3 V, lithium. The two codes come from different naming schemes, not from different batteries, so whichever you find on the shelf will work.

CR123 specs →CR123A specs →

Check before you swap. Batteries with similar dimensions are not always interchangeable. Always verify voltage, chemistry and the requirements printed in your device manual before fitting a replacement.

Related comparisons

LR44 vs SR44SR44 for anything precise, LR44 for anything cheap CR2032 vs CR2025CR2032 lasts longer; CR2025 fits tighter holders AA vs AAASame voltage, entirely different size CR2032 vs CR2016CR2032 unless the holder is genuinely too shallow CR2025 vs CR2016CR2025 where it fits, CR2016 only where it must CR2430 vs CR2450CR2450 for runtime, CR2430 where the holder is shallow CR2032 vs CR2450Not interchangeable — the CR2450 is a size class up CR2032 vs CR2430No — near-identical thickness, wrong diameter CR2025 vs CR2450Not interchangeable — different size class entirely LR44 vs 357357 for watches and meters, LR44 for everything cheap SR44 vs 357The same cell — SR44 is the standard code, 357 the retail number LR44 vs AG13The same cell — AG13 is the generic code for an LR44 LR44 vs A76The same cell — A76 is Energizer's code for the LR44 357 vs 303Same size and chemistry — originally high-drain against low-drain AA vs CSame voltage, about three times the runtime AA vs DSame 1.5 V, roughly six times the runtime C vs DD for double the runtime, C where a D will not fit AA vs AAAANot interchangeable — the AAAA is a quarter of the cell AAA vs AAAAOne letter apart in the name, about half the cell 14500 vs AASame shape, more than double the voltage — never swap them 10440 vs AAAAAA-shaped, 3.6 V — not a substitute 16340 vs CR123ASame slot, different voltage — check the device is rated for both 18650 vs 2170021700 for capacity, 18650 where the tube is already cut for it 18650 vs 2665026650 for capacity, but far fewer devices take one 21700 vs 26650Similar capacity, different shape — fit decides it 18650 vs 14500Same chemistry, entirely different size class 18650 vs AADifferent size, different voltage, different job CR123A vs 18650Many torches take either — two CR123A stack to an 18650's length CR2 vs CR123ABoth 3 V lithium, but the CR2 is much the smaller cell A23 vs A27Same 12 V and nearly the same length — the A23 is the fatter, longer-lasting one