How do I read a 3-digit capacitor code?

A 3-digit capacitor code uses the first two digits as a base value and the third digit as a multiplier (power of 10 in picofarads). For example, '104' means 10 × 10^4 pF = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. If the third digit is 9, it is a special multiplier of 0.1. This system is called the EIA ceramic capacitor code.

What does the tolerance letter mean on a capacitor?

Tolerance letters indicate the allowed deviation from the nominal capacitance. Common codes: B=±0.1pF, C=±0.25pF, D=±0.5pF, F=±1%, G=±2%, J=±5%, K=±10%, M=±20%, Z=-20%/+80%. For example, a 100nF K-grade capacitor can range from 90nF to 110nF.

What is an EIA-198 capacitor code?

EIA-198 is a 4-character alphanumeric marking system for capacitors. The first character is a letter representing the first two significant digits, the second character is a digit multiplier, and the remaining characters encode tolerance and voltage rating. This system is commonly used on film and tantalum capacitors.

How do I convert pF to nF or µF?

To convert: 1 µF = 1000 nF = 1,000,000 pF. So 100 pF = 0.1 nF = 0.0001 µF. 10 nF = 10,000 pF = 0.01 µF. The calculator automatically shows all three units for every decoded capacitor.

How do I use the bulk capacitor code calculator?

For single: enter the code in the input field and click Decode. For bulk: upload a TXT/CSV with one code per line (optionally followed by comma and label), or paste codes directly into the text area. The calculator outputs pF, nF, µF, tolerance, and a validity status for every entry. Download results as CSV.

Capacitor Value Code Calculator Online

Features

Everything You Need to Decode Capacitor Codes

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3-Digit Ceramic Decoder

Instantly decode the standard EIA 3-digit code used on ceramic, MLCC, and disc capacitors (e.g. 104 → 100 nF).

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EIA-198 Alphanumeric

Decode the 4-character EIA-198 letter-digit format used on film and tantalum capacitors (e.g. A5K → 1.0 pF ±10%).

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SMD Letter Codes

Decode compact 2-character SMD codes (e.g. R47, 1R0, 2A2) used on surface-mount ceramic chip capacitors.

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Unit Converter

See every result in pF, nF, and µF simultaneously. Ideal for cross-referencing datasheets and BOM entries.

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Real-Time Validation

Live feedback as you type — invalid codes are flagged instantly with an explanation before you submit.

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Bulk TXT / CSV Upload

Process hundreds of capacitor codes at once by uploading a text file or pasting a list. Download results as CSV.

Code	Value (pF)	nF	µF
100	10	0.01	0.00001
101	100	0.1	0.0001
102	1,000	1	0.001
103	10,000	10	0.01
104	100,000	100	0.1
105	1,000,000	1,000	1
473	47,000	47	0.047
222	2,200	2.2	0.0022

How It Works

Four Steps to Decode Any Capacitor

1

Enter or Upload

Type a single capacitor code into the single decoder, or upload a TXT/CSV file with one code per line for bulk processing.

2

Live Validation

The tool validates your input in real-time, detecting code format automatically and flagging invalid entries before you submit.

3

Instant Decode

See the decoded capacitance instantly in all three units (pF, nF, µF) along with the identified code type and optional tolerance.

4

Export Results

Copy the results to clipboard or download as a structured CSV file. Ideal for BOM annotation, PCB design, and component inventory.

Capacitor Value Code Calculator: Complete Decoding Guide

A Capacitor Value Code Calculator is an indispensable tool for electronics engineers, PCB designers, students, and hobbyists who need to quickly identify the capacitance printed on a component. Capacitors use several different marking conventions depending on their physical size, type, and manufacturing era — and the same value may appear very differently across formats.

How the 3-Digit Ceramic Capacitor Code Works

The most common marking system is the 3-digit EIA code used on ceramic disc, MLCC, and monolithic capacitors. The first two digits form the base value, and the third digit is the power-of-10 multiplier, always expressed in picofarads (pF). For example: 104 = 10 × 10⁴ pF = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. The special multiplier 9 means × 0.1, so 479 = 47 × 0.1 = 4.7 pF.

Tolerance Letter Codes

A letter appended to a capacitor code denotes its tolerance. Common tolerance codes include: J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%, G = ±2%, F = ±1%. Tight-tolerance components (B, C, D) specify absolute deviations in pF and are used in precision oscillators and filter networks.

EIA-198 Alphanumeric Codes

Film, tantalum, and some electrolytic capacitors use a 4-character EIA-198 marking where a letter encodes the first two significant digits (e.g. A = 1.0, B = 1.1, R = 1.0 with decimal), a digit sets the multiplier, and trailing characters indicate tolerance and voltage rating.

pF, nF, µF Conversion

The unit conversions are straightforward: 1 µF = 1,000 nF = 1,000,000 pF. A common source of confusion is that datasheets may express the same value differently — 0.1 µF, 100 nF, and 100,000 pF all describe identical capacitance. This calculator always outputs all three units to eliminate ambiguity.

Practical Examples

104 → 100 nF (0.1 µF) — Standard bypass/decoupling capacitor
473 → 47 nF — Common in filter circuits
102 → 1 nF — Used in signal coupling
101 → 100 pF — RF tuning and resonance circuits
105 → 1 µF — Power supply decoupling

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The first two digits are the base value and the third is the multiplier (power of 10 in pF). So 104 = 10 × 10⁴ pF = 100 nF. If the third digit is 9, multiply by 0.1 instead (e.g. 479 = 4.7 pF).

The tolerance letter shows how far the real value may deviate. J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%, F = ±1%, G = ±2%. For very small capacitors, B = ±0.1 pF and D = ±0.5 pF are absolute tolerances. Select the letter in the calculator to see the full range.

Divide pF by 1,000 to get nF. Divide nF by 1,000 (or pF by 1,000,000) to get µF. This calculator shows all three units automatically for every decoded code.

EIA-198 is a 4-character alphanumeric code where a letter encodes the first two significant digits, a digit sets the power-of-10 multiplier, and optional characters encode tolerance and voltage rating. It is widely used on film and tantalum capacitors.

Upload a TXT or CSV file with one code per line (optionally followed by comma and label, e.g. 104,bypass), or paste codes into the text area. Click Process Bulk to decode all entries and download results as a CSV for BOM annotation.

Capacitor Value Code Calculator