PlainBattery — Battery Cross-Reference Guide

Cylindrical Batteries reference

CR123A

Battery equivalent chart, replacements, and specs

Cylindrical Batteries3VLiMnO217×34.5 mmVerified Aug 25, 2026

CR123A aliases and equivalent names

Common search labels and closely related markings include CR17345, DL123A, EL123A. Packaging conventions vary, so confirm the compatibility grade, voltage, chemistry, and dimensions shown below before replacing the battery.

Voltage

3 V

Chemistry

LiMnO2

Capacity

1400–1600 mAh

Size

17×34.5 mm

Size

CR123A17 × 34.5 mm

Exact equivalents

Exact
  • DL123A — Duracell
  • EL123AP — Energizer
  • CR17345 — IEC label
  • 5018LC — Alternate ANSI-style designation

Do not use

Not Compatible
  • RCR123A — Rechargeable ~3.6V class — only when device lists it
  • CR2 — CR2 is shorter and narrower — will not fit CR123A tubes
  • 18650 — 18650 is larger and ~3.7V rechargeable — different format entirely

Technical data

Specifications

CR123A specifications. Capacity depends on load, temperature and cutoff voltage; see the primary sources for test conditions.
SpecificationValue
IEC / Common CodeCR123A
ChemistryLiMnO2
Nominal Voltage3 V
Capacity1400–1600 mAh
Cutoff Voltage~2 V
Dimensions (D × H)17 × 34.5 mm
Shelf Life~10 years (unused, room temp)

Typical applications

  • Security cameras
  • High-output flashlights
  • Medical equipment
  • Industrial sensors
  • Photo flashes
  • Tactical lights

Applications

Replacement Compatibility

CR2Not Compatible

CR2 is shorter and narrower — will not fit CR123A tubes

18650Not Compatible

18650 is larger and ~3.7V rechargeable — different format entirely

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DL123A the same as CR123A?

Yes. DL123A is Duracell's brand label for a standard CR123A-size 3V lithium primary cell.

Can I use CR2 instead of CR123A?

No. CR2 is smaller (~15.6 × 27 mm) with lower capacity. It will not seat correctly in a CR123A tube.

Is RCR123A a drop-in for CR123A?

Only when the device manual lists rechargeable RCR123A support. RCR cells often sit near 3.6V and need approved electronics.

CR123A vs 18650 — can I swap them?

Not without a host designed for that swap. Size, voltage, and charging requirements all differ.

How long does a CR123A battery last?

Unused shelf life is often up to ~10 years. In-device life depends on drain — security cameras and high-lumen flashlights consume cells faster than low-duty sensors.

Should I always trust cross-reference charts?

Confirm replacements with your device manual — especially for lithium vs alkaline chemistries.

Related Batteries

Review record and primary sources

Reviewed by PlainBattery Technical Review Desk on 2026-08-25. Checked: model and alias mapping, nominal voltage and chemistry, physical dimensions, capacity range and replacement warnings.

  1. CR123A Product Datasheet — Panasonic Energy, R1 (2024-07). CR123A dimensions, voltage, capacity, current and temperature range.

Revision record: source citations and field-level review scope added September 11, 2026. See our sources and methodology and corrections policy.

Selection notes

Do not substitute RCR123A rechargeables unless your device explicitly supports them. Prefer name-brand primary cells for security sensors that sit unused for months.

Last verified Aug 25, 2026. Always confirm voltage, chemistry, and dimensions with the device manufacturer before replacing any battery.