Capacitor Code Calculator

Decode the 3-digit code printed on ceramic capacitors into picofarads, nanofarads and microfarads. Includes the tolerance letter.

Capacitance
In pF
Tolerance

The first two digits are significant figures and the third is the number of zeros (the multiplier), giving a value in picofarads. So 104 means 10 followed by four zeros = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. A trailing letter is the tolerance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I read a capacitor's 3-digit code?

The first two digits are the significant figures and the third is how many zeros to add, giving a value in picofarads. For example 223 is 22 followed by three zeros = 22,000 pF = 22 nF.

What does 104 mean?

10 followed by four zeros = 100,000 pF, which is 100 nF or 0.1 µF, one of the most common decoupling capacitor values. This tool converts any code into all three units.

What is the letter after the code?

It is the tolerance. Common ones are J for ±5%, K for ±10% and M for ±20%. Smaller tolerances like F (±1%) appear on precision parts.