Decode or encode capacitor markings with the Capacitor Code Calculator. Enter a 3-digit capacitor code (e.g. 104) to get the capacitance value in picofarads (pF), nanofarads (nF), and microfarads (µF) — or enter a capacitance value and unit to get the corresponding capacitor code. Also supports tolerance code lookup for complete component identification.
Capacitance (pF)
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Capacitance (nF)
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Capacitance (µF)
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Capacitor Code
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Tolerance
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Ceramic capacitors are too small to print their full value, so a 3-digit code is used. The first two digits are the significant figures of the capacitance in picofarads, and the third digit is the power-of-10 multiplier. For example, '104' means 10 × 10⁴ = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF.
'R' is used as a decimal point indicator in capacitor codes. For example, '3R3' means 3.3 pF and '1R5' means 1.5 pF. This notation is used when the value is less than 10 pF and a decimal place is needed.
Tolerance codes are single letters appended to the capacitor marking. Common codes include J (±5%), K (±10%), and M (±20%). Some codes like C (±0.25 pF) and D (±0.5 pF) are absolute tolerances used for very small capacitances rather than percentages.
The 3-digit code system is primarily used on ceramic (disc and MLCC), film, and SMD (surface mount) capacitors. Electrolytic and tantalum capacitors are typically large enough to print their full value directly, so they rarely use this coding system.
First decode the code to picofarads using the multiplier rule, then divide by 1,000,000 to get microfarads. For example, code '104' = 100,000 pF ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.1 µF. This calculator performs all unit conversions automatically.
These are all units of capacitance. 1 microfarad (µF) = 1,000 nanofarads (nF) = 1,000,000 picofarads (pF). Small ceramic capacitors are often measured in pF or nF, while larger electrolytic capacitors are measured in µF.
Switch the calculator to 'Value → Code' mode, enter your capacitance value and select its unit (pF, nF, or µF). The calculator converts the value to picofarads, identifies the two significant digits and the appropriate power-of-10 multiplier, and outputs the corresponding 3-digit code.
A third digit of 8 means multiply by 0.01, and a digit of 9 means multiply by 0.1. These are special cases for very small capacitance values. For example, '338' = 33 × 0.01 = 0.33 pF, and '229' = 22 × 0.1 = 2.2 pF.