Capacitor Code-Value Converter

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Use this calculator to quickly convert between the 3-digit codes found on capacitors and their corresponding capacitance values without needing to refer to datasheets or perform manual calculations.

Value to Code

Code to Value

Capacitance value: –  

How to Use It?

Capacitance Value to Capacitor Code:

To convert from value to code, simply enter the capacitance value you want to convert into the calculator. Make sure to specify the unit (pF, nF, or µF). The calculator will process the value and provide the corresponding 3-digit capacitor code.

For example, if you enter 10 µF, the calculator will show 104 as the 3-digit capacitor code.

Capacitor Code to Capacitance Value:

To convert from code to value, simply enter the 3-digit code found on the capacitor into the calculator. The calculator will analyze the code and display the corresponding capacitance value in picofarads (pF), nanofarads (nF), and microfarads (µF).

For example, if you enter the code 106, the calculator will show 10 µF, 10000 nF, and 10000000 pF capacitance values.

Capacitor Codes

When working with circuits, it’s critical to know and understand the specifications of each component. Unfortunately, many parts, such as capacitors, are too small to have all their relevant information written out in full. As a result, many manufacturers mark capacitors in shorthand or use visual markings that take up less space.

Over time, many capacitor code formats have evolved, including 3-digit EIA, 4-digit EIA, two-digit EIA (EIA-198), and color code. Because this calculator supports capacitors with 3-digit EIA code, we’ll discuss it in detail.

Three-Digit EIA Code

The 3-digit EIA code is also known as the EIA-96 code or the IEC 60062 code. It is a standard code used by many manufacturers and suppliers of ceramic capacitors.

This system of part marking uses three digits, with the first two indicating the significant digits and the third indicating the multiplier.

For example, a capacitor with the code 106 means 10 x 10^6 pF = 10,000,000 pF = 10 µF.

capacitor code 106

Note that the value is in picofarads. To change to microfarads, you can simply move the decimal point to the left six spaces.

Here are some additional facts that you might find interesting:

  • The 3-digit capacitor code can also have a letter after the digits, which indicates the tolerance of the capacitor, such as J for ±5%, K for ±10% and M for ±20%. The tolerance is the percentage of deviation from the nominal capacitance value. For example, a capacitor with the code 106J means 10 µF with a tolerance of ±5%.
  • The 3-digit capacitor code can also have a letter before the digits, which indicates the temperature coefficient of the capacitor. The Temperature Coefficient of Capacitance (TCC) is the maximum change in capacitance over a specified temperature range. For example, a capacitor with the code Y5V106 means 10 µF with a temperature coefficient of Y5V (means +22% –82% capacitance change over the operating temperature range of –30°C to +85°C).
  • The 3-digit capacitor code can also include the character ‘R’ between the digits to indicate the decimal point position. This is used when the capacitance value is less than 10 pF. For example, a capacitor with the code 2R2 means 2.2 pF.

How to convert a 3-digit capacitor code to value

To convert a 3-digit capacitor code to value, you need to follow these steps:

  • Identify the first two digits, which are the significant digits of the capacitance value.
  • Identify the third digit, which is the multiplier factor of the first two digits.
  • Multiply the first two digits by 10 raised to the power of the third digit to get the capacitance value in pF.
  • Optionally, convert the capacitance value from pF to nF or uF by dividing by 1000 or 1000000 respectively.

For example, if the capacitor code is 223, then:

  • The first two digits are 22, which are the significant digits of the capacitance value.
  • The third digit is 3, which is the multiplier factor of 10^3.
  • The capacitance value in pF is 22 x 10^3 = 22000 pF.
  • The capacitance value in nF is 22000 / 1000 = 22 nF.
  • The capacitance value in uF is 22000 / 1000000 = 0.022 uF.
capacitor code 223

How to convert a capacitor value to 3-digit capacitor code

To convert a capacitor value to 3-digit capacitor code, you need to follow these steps:

  • If the capacitor value is given in nF or uF, convert it to pF by multiplying by 1000 or 1000000 respectively.
  • Express the capacitance value in pF in scientific notation, such as ** x 10^* pF.
  • Identify the first two digits of the coefficient, which are the significant digits of the capacitor code.
  • Identify the exponent of 10, which is the multiplier digit of the capacitor code.
  • Write the first two digits followed by the multiplier digit as the capacitor code.

For example, if the capacitor value is 0.47 uF, then:

  • The capacitance value in pF is 0.47 x 1000000 = 470000 pF.
  • The capacitance value in pF in scientific notation is 47 x 10^4 pF.
  • The first two digits of the coefficient are 47, which are the significant digits of the capacitor code.
  • The exponent of 10 is 4, which is the multiplier digit of the capacitor code.
  • The capacitor code is 474.
capacitor code 474
Amrit Prabhu

Amrit Prabhu

Amrit is an Electronics Engineer who loves making complex programming and hardware concepts accessible. He has more than 15 years of experience, having worked as a Senior Programmer Analyst at Mindtree Ltd. and Symantec on major projects like Windows 8, Wolters Kluwer CCH and NSE. Since 2018, he has authored hundreds of tutorials and guides for Last Minute Engineers, helping readers master everything from basic circuits to IoT. You can find him on LinkedIn