Capacitor Code Calculator
Decode 3-digit capacitor codes and color bands. Calculate capacitance value, tolerance, and voltage rating.
Capacitor Code Format
3-Digit Format: XYZ
- X = First digit (0–9)
- Y = Second digit (0–9)
- Z = Multiplier: 0=×1, 1=×10, 2=×100, 3=×1k, 4=×10k, 5=×100k, 6=×1M, etc.
- Result = (XY) × 10^Z pF
Tolerance Codes: B (±0.1%), C (±0.25%), D (±0.5%), F (±1%), G (±2%), H (±3%), J (±5%), K (±10%), M (±20%), Z (−20/+80%)
Common Capacitor Codes
| Code | pF | nF | µF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 100 | 0.1 | 0.0001 |
| 102 | 1,000 | 1 | 0.001 |
| 103 | 10,000 | 10 | 0.01 |
| 104 | 100,000 | 100 | 0.1 |
| 105 | 1,000,000 | 1,000 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ceramic capacitors use 3-digit or color-band codes. 3-digit format: XYZ = first digit × second digit × 10^Z pF. Example: 104 = 10 × 10^4 = 100,000 pF = 0.1 µF. The third digit is the multiplier (0–9 represent ×10^0 to ×10^9).
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Tolerance indicates how close actual capacitance is to marked value. Letter codes: J (±5%), K (±10%), M (±20%), Z (−20/+80%). Example: 100K means 100 nF ±10%, so 90–110 nF. Higher tolerance (J/K) costs more but needed for precision circuits.
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Voltage rating is maximum safe DC voltage. Exceeding rating risks capacitor failure, fire, or explosion. Common ratings: 6V, 16V, 25V, 50V, 100V, 250V, 400V. Choose voltage rating at least 1.5× maximum circuit voltage for safety margin.
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Older capacitors use color bands (like resistors). First band = first digit, second = second digit, third = multiplier. Tolerance band = letter code color. Example: brown-black-red = 10 × 10^2 = 1000 pF. Modern capacitors use printed numbers instead.
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Ceramic: 3-digit or color bands, typically pF values, non-polarized. Electrolytic: printed Ah/mAh or µF, always polarized (+ and − marked), much larger values. Electrolytic codes omit tolerance (assumed ±20%).
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104M = 10 × 10^4 pF (100 nF) with ±20% tolerance. Last letter indicates tolerance, not voltage. To find voltage, look for separate marking or datasheet (not in code).
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NPO (negative-positive-zero) / C0G indicates temperature coefficient near zero (±30 ppm/°C). Very stable across temperature. Used in precision analog circuits, filters, oscillators. More expensive than standard ceramic.
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Yes, it's safe. Higher voltage rating provides safety margin. Just keep in mind higher-voltage capacitors are larger/more expensive. Always use ≥ required voltage rating.
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1 µF = 1000 nF = 1,000,000 pF. Capacitor codes often in pF; large capacitors in µF. Example: 104 (10^4 pF) = 10 nF = 0.01 µF.
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X7R is temperature coefficient rating: X = −55°C lower limit, 7 = +125°C upper limit, R = ±15% capacitance change over range. Used in industrial/automotive. Y5V is wider temp range but larger tolerance (±80%).