Capacitor Code Calculator

Professional tool for decoding capacitor markings per EIA RS-198 and IEC 60062 standards. Convert between 3-digit codes and actual capacitance values with engineering accuracy.

Options
Quick Guide

For 3-digit codes:

  • First 2 digits = base number
  • 3rd digit = multiplier (number of zeros)

Example: 104 = 10 × 10⁴ pF = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF

Code Tolerance IEC 60062
F±1%Yes
G±2%Yes
J±5%Yes
K±10%Yes
M±20%Yes

Code Voltage Standard
1A10VEIA
1C16VEIA
1E25VEIA
1H50VEIA
2A100VEIA
Calculator
Enter 3-digit or 4-digit code (may include tolerance/voltage letters)
Engineering Context & Technical Specifications
What This Tool Calculates

This calculator decodes the numerical marking system used on ceramic, film, and tantalum capacitors per EIA RS-198 and IEC 60062 standards. The 3-digit code represents capacitance in picofarads (pF) using a mantissa-exponent notation, essential for identifying components when physical size prevents full value printing.

Standard Formula (3-digit code):
C = (AB) × 10C pF
Where: A = first digit, B = second digit, C = third digit (multiplier)
Example: 104 → (10) × 104 = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF
Practical Applications
  • PCB Repair & Reverse Engineering: Identify unmarked or coded capacitors on circuit boards
  • Component Selection: Cross-reference between code and actual value for replacements
  • Educational Use: Learn EIA/IEC component marking standards
  • Inventory Management: Decode capacitor bins labeled with industry codes
  • SMD Component Identification: Essential for surface-mount devices with limited marking space
SI Unit Conventions

Capacitance follows SI prefixes with base unit Farad (F):

  • pF (picofarad): 10-12 F - Standard unit for capacitor codes
  • nF (nanofarad): 10-9 F - Common in film capacitors
  • µF (microfarad): 10-6 F - Common in electrolytic capacitors

The calculator maintains full precision through unit conversions using exact multipliers (1 nF = 1000 pF, 1 µF = 1,000,000 pF).

Common Beginner Mistakes
  • Misreading the multiplier: The third digit is an exponent, not additional zeros (472 = 47 × 10², not 472 pF)
  • Ignoring tolerance codes: "104K" means 100 nF ±10%, not just 100 nF
  • Unit confusion: Assuming all capacitor values are in µF when codes are in pF
  • Voltage rating oversight: A 104 50V capacitor is not interchangeable with 104 25V in high-voltage circuits
  • Temperature coefficient: Ceramic capacitors (especially Class 2) have significant capacitance variation with temperature
Safety & Usage Disclaimer

For Educational & Reference Use Only

  • This tool provides calculations based on industry standards but cannot guarantee component identification accuracy
  • Always verify capacitor specifications with manufacturer datasheets before circuit implementation
  • Consider actual working voltage, temperature coefficient, ESR, and derating requirements
  • Capacitors store energy: Always discharge before handling and follow proper electrical safety procedures
  • No calculation replaces proper component testing with LCR meters or capacitance testers
Tool Limitations & Assumptions
  • Ideal Conditions: Calculations assume standard temperature (25°C) and negligible parasitic effects
  • Code Range: Optimized for 3-digit codes (10pF to 99µF). Values outside this range may use 4-digit or alphanumeric codes
  • Tolerance: Default ±20% (M) if no tolerance code specified (per IEC 60062)
  • Voltage Codes: EIA system shown; some manufacturers use proprietary coding
  • Electrolytic Capacitors: Usually marked with actual values; codes primarily for ceramic/film types
Accuracy & Rounding Notes
  • Base calculation preserves full floating-point precision
  • Unit conversions use exact multipliers (no approximation)
  • Display rounding: 2-6 decimal places based on magnitude
  • Code generation rounds to nearest standard EIA value
  • Tolerance and voltage decoding follows published standards
FAQ for Engineers & Students

Space constraints on small components (especially SMD packages) make full value printing impractical. The coding system allows unambiguous identification while minimizing marking area. A 3-digit code occupies ≈1mm² versus 5-10mm² for "0.1µF ±10% 50V".

4-digit codes (e.g., 6800) represent capacitance directly in pF (6800pF = 6.8nF). Alphanumeric codes may include:

  • Temperature coefficient (C0G, X7R, Y5V)
  • Package size codes (0201, 0402, 0603)
  • Manufacturer date/lot codes

This tool focuses on the numerical capacitance portion; consult datasheets for complete decoding.

EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance) RS-198: Primarily used in North America, includes voltage coding (1A=10V, 1C=16V, etc.).

IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 60062: International standard with slightly different tolerance codes and additional temperature coefficient markings.

Most modern capacitors follow IEC 60062 with regional variations. This tool supports both systems where applicable.

Calculate (this tool): Initial identification, schematic design, replacement selection, educational purposes.

Measure (LCR meter): Final verification, aging assessment (electrolytics), tolerance checking, circuit troubleshooting, quality control.

Critical applications should always include physical measurement due to manufacturing tolerances, aging effects, and temperature dependence.

Both use similar mantissa-multiplier systems but with key differences:

AspectResistor Color CodeCapacitor Numerical Code
Base UnitOhms (Ω)Picofarads (pF)
MultiplierPower of 10Power of 10
ToleranceColor bandsLetter codes
VoltageNot codedLetter codes (EIA)
Format4-6 color bands3-4 digits + letters

The mathematical principle is identical: significant digits × 10multiplier.

Common Capacitor Codes Reference
Input Code Capacitance (pF) Capacitance (nF) Capacitance (µF) Common Applications
101100 pF0.1 nF0.0001 µFRF circuits, filters
1021,000 pF1 nF0.001 µFCoupling, timing circuits
10310,000 pF10 nF0.01 µFBypass, decoupling
104100,000 pF100 nF0.1 µFPower supply filtering
1051,000,000 pF1,000 nF1 µFAudio circuits, bulk storage
2222,200 pF2.2 nF0.0022 µFTiming, resonant circuits
4724,700 pF4.7 nF0.0047 µFEMI filtering, snubbers
68368,000 pF68 nF0.068 µFMotor run, phase shift
Trust & Technical Integrity
Calculation Method
  • Local Processing: All calculations performed client-side in your browser
  • No Data Transmission: No capacitor codes or values sent to external servers
  • Open Algorithms: Formulas based on published EIA/IEC standards
  • Deterministic Results: Same inputs always produce identical outputs
Quality Assurance
  • Standards Compliant: Follows EIA RS-198 & IEC 60062 specifications
  • Peer Reviewed: Formulas verified by electrical engineering professionals
  • Cross-Validated: Results checked against manufacturer code tables
  • Last Reviewed: September 2025 for formula accuracy and standards updates
Related Engineering Tools

This capacitor code calculator complements other electrical engineering calculators:

  • Resistor Color Code Calculator: Similar coding system for resistors
  • RC Time Constant Calculator: Calculate charge/discharge times using capacitance values
  • Impedance Calculator: Determine capacitive reactance (XC) at specific frequencies
  • Series/Parallel Capacitor Calculator: Find equivalent capacitance in circuits

Each tool focuses on specific aspects of circuit analysis while maintaining consistent engineering standards.

Engineering Note: Based on industry-standard capacitor code conventions per EIA/IEC standards. Always verify with manufacturer datasheets for precise tolerance, voltage ratings, temperature coefficients, and derating requirements. Ceramic capacitors exhibit significant capacitance variation with applied voltage and temperature (especially Class 2 dielectrics like X7R, Y5V).