SMD Capacitor Code Calculator
Decode capacitor markings into pF, nF, and µF, with numeric, R-decimal, and EIA-198 codes.
C (pF) = significant digits × multiplierCalculations stay in your browser. Share links contain the input values you choose to share.
How to use this calculator
- Type the capacitor value code exactly as printed, preserving letter case.
- Use the example buttons to try numeric, decimal, or EIA-198 codes.
- Read the capacitance in pF, nF, and µF and the decoding breakdown.
- For numeric or R-decimal codes, append a known tolerance letter to see the nominal range.
A quick worked example
104K decodes to 100,000 pF, or 100 nF / 0.1 µF. K indicates ±10%, giving a nominal range of 90–110 nF. 4R7C means 4.7 pF ±0.25 pF. EIA-198 A3 means 1 × 1,000 pF = 1 nF.
A few useful answers
What do the digits mean?
For three digits, the first two form the significant number and the last is the multiplier. Four-digit codes use three significant digits. Values are in picofarads. Multiplier digits 0–7 mean powers of ten; 8 and 9 mean ×0.01 and ×0.1 for numeric codes.
Are EIA-198 codes case sensitive?
Yes. For example, A3 gives 1 nF while a3 gives 2.6 nF in the supported EIA-198 table. Its multiplier digits 0–8 mean powers of ten and 9 means ×0.1. Manufacturer-specific markings may differ.
How is tolerance interpreted?
This tool uses B = ±0.1 pF, C = ±0.25 pF, D = ±0.5 pF; F/G/J/K/M = ±1/2/5/10/20%, and Z = +80/−20%. B, C, and D are absolute capacitance tolerances in this convention. Confirm the actual part’s datasheet.
Can I identify an unmarked capacitor or its voltage rating?
A blank chip cannot be decoded visually. Use the bill of materials or measure capacitance with suitable equipment. A capacitance marking alone does not establish voltage rating, dielectric, ESR, or package size.
Model & assumptions: Common value-code conventions only. The suffix tolerance range describes nominal tolerance, not DC bias or temperature behavior. EIA-198 tolerance is not inferred. Manufacturer-specific markings require the component datasheet.
References: DigiKey capacitor marking formats ↗; KEMET capacitance and tolerance codes ↗.
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