Capacitor Code Calculator
Decode ceramic capacitor markings to pF, nF, and µF. Or encode a value to get the EIA code.
Decode 4-band and 5-band resistor color codes with our companion Resistor Color Code Calculator.
Input
Result
Enter a capacitor code or value to see the result.
Common Capacitor Codes
| Code | pF | nF | µF | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 10 | 0.01 | — | RF, oscillator |
| 101 | 100 | 0.1 | — | RF bypass |
| 102 | 1,000 | 1 | 0.001 | Decoupling |
| 103 | 10,000 | 10 | 0.01 | Decoupling, filter |
| 104 | 100,000 | 100 | 0.1 | Bypass, filter |
| 105 | 1,000,000 | 1,000 | 1 | Timing, coupling |
| 106 | 10,000,000 | 10,000 | 10 | Power supply |
| 107 | 100,000,000 | 100,000 | 100 | Power supply |
| 220 | 22 | 0.022 | — | RF |
| 471 | 470 | 0.47 | — | Filter |
| 473 | 47,000 | 47 | 0.047 | Coupling |
| 475 | 4,700,000 | 4,700 | 4.7 | Timing |
Tolerance Letters
| Letter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| B | ±0.1 pF |
| C | ±0.25 pF |
| D | ±0.5 pF |
| F | ±1% |
| G | ±2% |
| J | ±5% |
| K | ±10% |
| M | ±20% |
| Z | +80% / -20% |
Related Calculators
More free tools for electronics design:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 3-digit capacitor code mean?
In a 3-digit code, the first two digits are the significant figures and the third digit is the multiplier (power of 10) in picofarads (pF). For example, 104 = 10 × 10⁴ pF = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF.
What is the difference between 3-digit and 4-digit capacitor codes?
3-digit codes use 2 significant digits + 1 multiplier digit (e.g., 104 = 100 nF). 4-digit codes use 3 significant digits + 1 multiplier digit for tighter tolerances (e.g., 4702 = 47 nF). 4-digit codes are common for precision capacitors.
What does the letter after a capacitor code mean?
The letter indicates the tolerance: J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%, Z = +80%/-20%. For example, 104K means 100 nF with ±10% tolerance. Ceramic capacitors often use K or M tolerance.
What does "R" mean in a capacitor code?
The letter R represents a decimal point for values below 10 pF. For example, 4R7 = 4.7 pF, R5 = 0.5 pF. This notation avoids misreading a tiny dot on small components.
How do I read SMD capacitor codes?
SMD ceramic capacitors follow the same 3-digit or 4-digit EIA code system as through-hole parts. Some tiny SMDs use EIA-198 two-character codes (letter + number). For example, A5 = 1 nF. Our calculator supports the standard digit-based codes.