Capacitor Code Calculator

Capacitor Code Calculator allows you to determine capacitance by the capacitor markings found on the device and to determine capacitor markings by capacitance. It displays rated capacitance, capacitor tolerance and voltage.

This tool supports 2- / 3- / 4-digit code and alphabetical code.

The 2-digit code simply defines the value in pF.

The first two numbers in 3-digit code indicate the significant digits, and the third is the multiplier — the number of zeros (ex.: code "103" indicates 10000pF). Note: in most cases the third digit (multiplier) indicates the number of zeros, but "8" is used for 0.01 and "9" is used for 0.1 multiplier. Please refer to manufacturer specifications.

In 2-digit code the letters "R", "P", "p" are used to indicate the position of a decimal point and capacitance unit — pF (ex.: code "1p5" indicate 1.5pF). The letters "N" or "n" are used to indicate the position of a decimal point and capacitance unit — nF. The letters "m" or "µ" are used to indicate the position of a decimal point and capacitance unit — µF. Two capital letters at the end of the 2-digit code represent capacitor tolerance and temperature coefficient of capacitance (ex.: code "33pKL" indicates 33pF, ±10% tolerance ("K"), -75 ppm/°C ("L")).

If 4-digit code starts with a capital letter (except "R", "P", "N"), it represents the maximum voltage. A capital letter at the end of the 3- / 4-digit code represents capacitor tolerance.

We also offer tool to read capacitor color code.


Decode Any Capacitor Instantly With Online Capacitor Code Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Why students & professionals need the capacitor code calculator?

Capacitor markings are often cryptic, tiny, and inconsistent — especially on ceramic and SMD components. This calculator instantly converts capacitor codes (e.g., 104, 472, 1n0) into actual capacitance values, saving time and preventing costly mistakes.

Students and professionals use this calculator to:

  • Decode 3-digit and alphanumeric capacitor codes;
  • Convert values into pF, nF, and µF;
  • Avoid installing the wrong capacitor during assembly or repair;
  • Speed up learning, labs, troubleshooting, and prototyping;
  • Double-check parts when documentation is missing or unclear.

In short: fewer guesses, fewer fried circuits, and fewer "why doesn't this work?" moments.

Practical Applications

Electronics Education & Labs

A student sees a capacitor marked "104" on a lab board. Using the calculator, they instantly learn it equals 100 nF (0.1 µF) — reinforcing theory with real components.

Repair & Troubleshooting

A technician replaces a damaged capacitor with a part marked "472". The calculator confirms the value as 4.7 nF, ensuring the circuit behaves as designed.

Prototyping & PCB Assembly

An engineer receives a mixed reel of capacitors with only code markings. The calculator helps verify values quickly before soldering — avoiding rework and delays.

What does a capacitor code like "104" mean?

"104" means 10 × 104 pF, which equals 100,000 pF or 100 nF (0.1 µF).

Does this calculator work for ceramic capacitors?

Yes. It’s commonly used for ceramic and through-hole capacitors with numeric or alphanumeric codes.

Can this calculator convert capacitor values to microfarads?

Yes. The calculator converts codes into pF, nF, and µF automatically for easy understanding.

Why don’t capacitors show values directly?

Due to size limitations manufacturers use compact codes instead of full numeric values.

Does this calculator include tolerance or voltage rating?

Yes. This calculator supports alphabetical codes, including capacitor tolerance, temperature coefficient of capacitance and maximum voltage.

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02/10/1902
date of birth
Brattain, Walter

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