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Capacitor Code Calculator

Enter the 3-digit code on a ceramic capacitor (e.g. 104) to see the capacitance in pF, nF and µF.

Nanofarad
100 nF
Microfarad
0.1 µF
Picofarad
100,000 pF

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, on an “as is” basis and without any warranty of accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose. Results may contain errors — always verify independently before relying on them in real designs. PartAndStock accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from use of this tool, including when embedded on third-party sites.

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Learn the theory: What Is a Capacitor? Step-by-step: How to Read Capacitor Codes

How to use

  1. 1Type the code printed on the capacitor into the box (e.g. 104).
  2. 2The value is shown instantly in pF, nF and µF.
  3. 3You can also add the tolerance letter if present (e.g. 104K).

How it works

Convert the 3-digit code printed on small ceramic capacitors into a readable capacitance value.

Value (pF) = (first two digits) × 10^(third digit). E.g. 104 = 10 × 10^4 = 100,000 pF = 100 nF.

How does the capacitor code work?

On small ceramic capacitors the value is written as a 3-digit number, similar to the resistor color code. The first two digits are the significant value and the third digit is the power-of-ten multiplier in picofarads (pF). For example 104 → 10 × 10⁴ = 100,000 pF. The result is in pF by default; 1,000 pF = 1 nF and 1,000,000 pF = 1 µF.

2- and 3-digit codes, tolerance letter

If the code has 2 digits the value is directly in pF (e.g. 47 = 47 pF). With 3 digits the third digit is the multiplier. A letter after the code is the tolerance (J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%). Larger electrolytic capacitors usually print the value and voltage directly and do not use this code.

Worked examples

  • 104 → 10 × 10⁴ = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF
  • 223 → 22 × 10³ = 22,000 pF = 22 nF
  • 471 → 47 × 10¹ = 470 pF

Common Capacitor Codes

CodepFnFµF
101100 pF0.1 nF—
221220 pF0.22 nF—
471470 pF0.47 nF—
1021,000 pF1 nF0.001 µF
2222,200 pF2.2 nF—
10310,000 pF10 nF0.01 µF
104100,000 pF100 nF0.1 µF
224220,000 pF220 nF0.22 µF
1051,000,000 pF1,000 nF1 µF

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nF is code 104?+
104 = 10 × 10^4 = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF.
How is the code read?+
The first two digits are the significant value and the third is the power-of-ten multiplier in pF. For example 223 = 22 × 10^3 = 22,000 pF = 22 nF.
What does the letter in the code mean?+
A letter after the code is the tolerance (e.g. J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%).
If no unit is printed, is the base pF?+
Yes — the value of the 3-digit code is in picofarads (pF) by default.
Do electrolytic capacitors use this code?+
No — larger electrolytic capacitors usually print the value and voltage directly (e.g. 100µF 25V); this code is for small ceramic capacitors.

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