Electronics · Free Calculator
Capacitor Code Calculator
Type the code printed on a ceramic, film or tantalum capacitor to get its value in pF, nF and µF and its tolerance.
3 digit codeTolerance letterpF, nF, µF4n7 style
Capacitance100 nF
In pF100,000 pF
In nF100 nF
In µF0.1 µF
ToleranceK = ± 10 %
How this result was calculated
- 10 × 10^4 = 100,000 pF
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How Capacitor Codes Work
Small capacitors use the same 3 digit system as resistors, with the result in picofarads.
C (pF) = first two digits × 10^third digit
Third digit 8 = × 0.01, 9 = × 0.1
Letter after the digits = tolerance
Third digit 8 = × 0.01, 9 = × 0.1
Letter after the digits = tolerance
Tolerance letters: B ± 0.1 pF, C ± 0.25 pF, D ± 0.5 pF, F ± 1 %, G ± 2 %, J ± 5 %, K ± 10 %, M ± 20 %, Z +80/−20 %.
Worked example
104K = 10 × 10⁴ pF = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF, ± 10 %. 473J = 47 nF ± 5 %. 4n7 = 4.7 nF.
Key insight: 104 (100 nF) is the most common decoupling capacitor in electronics. You will find one beside almost every IC power pin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 104 capacitor in µF?
0.1 µF, which is 100 nF or 100,000 pF.
What does the letter J or K mean on a capacitor?
It is the tolerance: J is ± 5 % and K is ± 10 %.
What does 4n7 mean?
4.7 nF. The n shows both the unit and the decimal point position.
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