An improved metal-air button cell is provided. The cell is comprised of the following components: a conductive metal can, a cathode assembly in the can, a conductive metal cover, and a separator between the cathode assembly, wherein the metal cover and separator provide borders of a space in which an anode material can be placed. The improvement is that the amount of anode material is not sufficient to fill the space provided for it, and, wherein, the anode material is positioned against the separator and a void exists between the cover and the anode material.