Electronics / Parts
Capacitor Code Converter (104 to nF and Back)
Convert the three-digit codes printed on ceramic and film capacitors, such as 104, 473J, or 4R7, to picofarads, nanofarads, and microfarads with the tolerance, or find the code for a capacitance.
Capacitor Code Converter (104 to nF and Back): The EIA code gives two significant digits and a multiplier, in picofarads: 104 is 10 × 10⁴ pF = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. A third digit of 8 or 9 multiplies by 0.01 or 0.1, R stands for a decimal point (4R7 = 4.7 pF), and a trailing letter gives the tolerance, such as J for ±5% or K for ±10%. Codes written with n or u, such as 1n0 or 2u2, are read too. Runs 100% locally in your browser with zero server file uploads.
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A three-digit code is two digits and a multiplier in picofarads: 104 is 10 followed by four zeros, 100,000 pF or 100 nF. A third digit of 8 or 9 divides by 100 or 10, and R marks a decimal point, as in 4R7 = 4.7 pF. A letter after the code is the tolerance: 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%.
Common codes
101 = 100 pF, 102 = 1 nF, 103 = 10 nF, 104 = 100 nF, 105 = 1 µF, 223 = 22 nF, 473 = 47 nF, and 225 = 2.2 µF. A two-digit code such as 22 is simply 22 pF.
For resistors, see the SMD resistor code and resistor colour code tools.
Reading small parts
Surface-mount ceramic capacitors usually carry no marking at all; the value is on the reel. If a part has one or two characters, it is a maker-specific code, so check the datasheet or measure it with a capacitance meter.
Film capacitors often print the code with a voltage, such as 104J 100V: 100 nF, ±5%, rated 100 V.
How to use it
- Choose code to value, or value to code.
- Type the code printed on the capacitor, or the capacitance and its unit.
- Read the value in pF, nF, and µF, the tolerance letter's meaning, or the code.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a 104 capacitor?
100 nF, which is 0.1 µF or 100,000 pF: the common decoupling capacitor placed next to chips.
What does the letter after the code mean?
The tolerance: J is ±5%, K ±10%, M ±20%, and Z +80/−20%. A number with V, such as 50V, is the voltage rating.
Why are electrolytic capacitors not coded?
They are large enough to print the value in full, such as 470 µF 25 V; codes are for small ceramic and film parts.
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