Capacitor Code Calculator

Enter the code printed on a ceramic, film or tantalum capacitor to get its value in pF, nF and µF, plus its tolerance and voltage rating.

A 9 in the third place means ×0.1 (for values under 10 pF).

An 8 in the third place means ×0.01.

Find the code for a value

This value can't be written as a 3-digit code. Codes have two significant figures and run from about 1 pF to 99 µF; larger capacitors (electrolytics) print the value directly.

Common capacitor codes

How to read capacitor codes

Small ceramic and film capacitors print a three-digit code instead of their full value. The code is always in picofarads (pF). The first two digits are the significant figures and the third digit is the number of zeros to add.

• 104 is 10 followed by four zeros: 100,000 pF, which is 100 nF or 0.1 µF.
• 222 is 22 followed by two zeros: 2,200 pF, which is 2.2 nF.
• 470 is 47 with no zeros: 47 pF. A code of 47 on its own also means 47 pF.
• For values under 10 pF the letter R marks the decimal point, so 4R7 is 4.7 pF.

European-style markings put the unit letter where the decimal point would be. 2n2 is 2.2 nF, n47 is 0.47 nF (470 pF), 4u7 is 4.7 µF and p68 is 0.68 pF. Large electrolytic capacitors simply print the value and voltage, for example 470 µF 25 V, and must be connected the right way round.

Tolerance letters

Letters B, C and D give an absolute tolerance in picofarads and are used on small capacitors below about 10 pF.

Voltage codes

Some capacitors carry an EIA voltage code made of a digit and a letter. Common ones are 0J for 6.3 V, 1A for 10 V, 1C for 16 V, 1E for 25 V, 1V for 35 V, 1H for 50 V, 2A for 100 V, 2E for 250 V and 2J for 630 V. Always choose a capacitor rated comfortably above the highest voltage in your circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Combining capacitors? Use the Series and Parallel Calculator, or time a circuit with the 555 Timer Calculator.