Capacitor Code Calculator

Capacitor Code Calculator
Decode or Encode 3-Digit Capacitor Markings

Common codes — click to decode

123 Capacitor Code (e.g. 104, 102K, 47)
Capacitor Value
3-Digit Code
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Common Value
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Tolerance
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Picofarads (pF)
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Nanofarads (nF)
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Microfarads (µF)
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Reading 3-Digit Capacitor Codes

The 3-digit code printed on ceramic and film capacitors gives the capacitance in picofarads (pF). The first two digits are the significant figures, and the third digit is the number of zeros (the multiplier).

104 K 1st & 2nd digit = 10 Multiplier 4 = ×10000 Tolerance K = ±10% 10 × 10000 = 100,000 pF = 100 nF

Codes under 100 (e.g. 47) are read directly as picofarads. The optional letter after the code indicates tolerance.

Capacitor Code Calculator

Ceramic and film capacitors use a 3-digit code because the components are too small for a full value. The first two digits are the significant figures. The third digit is the multiplier — the number of zeros to add. The result is in picofarads. This calculator decodes any 3-digit code to pF, nF, and µF instantly, handles tolerance letters, and works in reverse — enter a value, get the code.

How the 3-Digit Code Works

Capacitance (pF) = first two digits × 10third digit

The third digit is the exponent — how many zeros to append. Code 104: first two digits = 10, multiplier = 104 = 10000. Result: 10 × 10000 = 100000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF.

Special Cases

1 or 2-digit codes (e.g. 47): codes under 100 are read directly as picofarads. 47 = 47 pF. No multiplier.

Multiplier 0 (e.g. 100): 10 × 100 = 10 × 1 = 10 pF.

Multiplier 8 (e.g. 108): means ×0.01. So 108 = 10 × 0.01 = 0.1 pF. Rare.

Multiplier 9 (e.g. 109): means ×0.1. So 109 = 10 × 0.1 = 1.0 pF. Also rare.

Common Codes Decoded

CodepFnFµF
1011000.10.0001
102100010.001
10310000100.01
1041000001000.1
105100000010001.0
106100000001000010.0
220220.0220.000022
2242200002200.22
330330.0330.000033
470470.0470.000047
4744700004700.47
100100.010.00001

These twelve codes cover the majority of ceramic capacitors found in electronics. 104 (100 nF / 0.1 µF) is by far the most common — it is the standard decoupling capacitor on virtually every digital IC.

Step-by-Step Decode Examples

Code: 104

First two digits: 10
Multiplier digit: 4 → ×10000
10 × 10000 = 100000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF

Code: 474K

First two digits: 47
Multiplier digit: 4 → ×10000
47 × 10000 = 470000 pF = 470 nF = 0.47 µF
Tolerance letter: K = ±10%

Code: 47 (2 digits only)

Code under 100 → read directly as picofarads
47 pF = 0.047 nF = 0.000047 µF

Code: 109

First two digits: 10
Multiplier digit: 9 → ×0.1
10 × 0.1 = 1.0 pF

Tolerance Letters

A letter after the three digits indicates manufacturing tolerance — how far the actual capacitance can deviate from the marked value.

LetterToleranceUsage
F±1%Precision/instrumentation
G±2%Precision filters
J±5%General purpose, good quality
K±10%Most common general purpose
M±20%Non-critical, decoupling
Z+80% / −20%Electrolytic, non-critical

K (±10%) and M (±20%) are the most common on ceramic capacitors. J (±5%) appears on higher-quality parts used in timing and filter circuits where the value matters more. F and G are rare outside precision analog design. For a similar colour-based marking system on resistors, see the Resistor Colour Code Calculator.

Reverse Mode — Value to Code

Enter a capacitance and unit, get the 3-digit code. Useful when searching for a replacement part or ordering from a catalogue that uses codes instead of values.

Example: 100 nF → Code?

100 nF = 100000 pF
Significant digits: 10
Zeros to add: 4
Code: 104

Example: 2.2 µF → Code?

2.2 µF = 2200000 pF
Significant digits: 22
Zeros to add: 5
Code: 225

Example: 33 pF → Code?

33 pF → code under 100
Code: 33 (or 330 — both are valid; 330 means 33 × 100 = 33)

Unit Conversions Reference

1 µF = 1000 nF = 1000000 pF
1 nF = 1000 pF = 0.001 µF
1 pF = 0.001 nF = 0.000001 µF

Schematics and BOMs use all three units depending on the value range. Small capacitors (under 1 nF) are usually given in pF. Medium (1 nF to 999 nF) in nF. Large (1 µF and above) in µF. The calculator shows all three so you can match whichever unit your schematic uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “104” mean on a capacitor?
10 × 104 = 100000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. It is the most common ceramic capacitor value — the standard bypass/decoupling cap.
What does “103” mean?
10 × 103 = 10000 pF = 10 nF = 0.01 µF.
What does “470” mean?
47 × 100 = 47 × 1 = 47 pF. The multiplier is 0, so no zeros are added.
What if there is no third digit?
A 1 or 2-digit code (like “47” or “5”) is read directly as picofarads. 47 = 47 pF. 5 = 5 pF.
What does the letter after the code mean?
Tolerance. K = ±10%, J = ±5%, M = ±20%. See the tolerance table above for the full list.
How do I convert a value back to a code?
Convert to picofarads first. Express as two significant digits × 10n. The code is the two digits followed by n. Example: 4.7 µF = 4700000 pF = 47 × 105 → code 475.
Do electrolytic capacitors use this code?
Usually not. Electrolytics are large enough to print the full value (e.g. “470 µF 25V”) directly on the body. The 3-digit code is primarily used on small ceramic disc capacitors, MLCC (multilayer ceramic chip) capacitors, and film capacitors.
What if the code has 4 digits?
Some precision capacitors use a 4-digit code where the first three digits are significant and the fourth is the multiplier. Example: 1002 = 100 × 102 = 10000 pF = 10 nF. The calculator handles standard 3-digit codes; for 4-digit codes, apply the same logic with one extra significant digit.

Last updated: March 2026