Capacitor code calculator: read and write 3-digit codes

This capacitor code calculator reads the three-digit marking on ceramic and film capacitors: two significant digits and the number of zeros, in picofarads. 104 is 10 followed by four zeros = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF; the letter K adds ±10 %, so the real value lies between 90 nF and 110 nF.

Source: KEMET – Surface Mount Multilayer Ceramic Chip Capacitors, C0G dielectric, data sheet C1003: ordering information, capacitance code and tolerance codes B–M (read 09.10.2026). Updated: 9 October 2026.

Direction

Code on the capacitor

three digits, optionally a tolerance letter, e.g. 104K, 472, 229C

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Result

Result: 100 nF (±10 %)
Details: Item Value
Picofarad 100,000 pF
Nanofarad 100 nF
Microfarad 0.1 µF
Tolerance letter K = ±10 %
Range 90 nF – 110 nF; Calculated with the code rule from KEMET data sheets; a few makers print values differently (e.g. directly in µF on electrolytic capacitors), so check the data sheet when in doubt.

Item	Value
Picofarad	100,000 pF
Nanofarad	100 nF
Microfarad	0.1 µF
Tolerance letter	K = ±10 %
Range	90 nF – 110 nF

How it is calculated

First two digits = value, third digit = number of zeros, unit = pF. This is the rule in KEMET’s data sheets for multilayer ceramic capacitors. Two special cases cover small values: a 9 as third digit means “× 0.1” (1.0 to 9.9 pF), an 8 means “× 0.01” (0.5 to 0.99 pF). KEMET’s own examples: 2.2 pF = 229 and 0.5 pF = 508. KEMET prints the same code on its leaded ceramic capacitors (Goldmax series: “104K” on the front); SMD chip capacitors usually carry no marking at all.

Common codes

Code	pF	nF / µF
100	10 pF	0.01 nF
101	100 pF	0.1 nF
102	1,000 pF	1 nF
472	4,700 pF	4.7 nF
103	10,000 pF	10 nF
104	100,000 pF	100 nF = 0.1 µF
105	1,000,000 pF	1 µF
479	4.7 pF	–

Tolerance letters

B = ±0.10 pF, C = ±0.25 pF and D = ±0.5 pF are used for small values; F = ±1 %, G = ±2 %, J = ±5 %, K = ±10 % and M = ±20 %. Examples: 103J is 10 nF from 9.5 to 10.5 nF, 472M is 4.7 nF from 3.76 to 5.64 nF, 229C is 2.2 pF from 1.95 to 2.45 pF.

From value to code

Write the value in pF, keep two significant digits and count the zeros: 1.5 nF = 1,500 pF = 152, 47 pF = 470, 3.3 µF = 3,300,000 pF = 335. A value such as 1.23 nF has three significant digits and is rounded to 122 (1.2 nF). For the resistor color bands use the resistor color code calculator; for capacitors in series or parallel the capacitor calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What does 104 on a capacitor mean?

10 followed by four zeros: 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF.

What is a 103 capacitor?

10,000 pF = 10 nF. With J it is ±5 %, i.e. 9.5 to 10.5 nF.

What does the K in 104K mean?

K is the tolerance ±10 %: the capacitor has between 90 nF and 110 nF.

How is 4.7 pF marked?

With 9 as the third digit, which means × 0.1: 479. KEMET writes 2.2 pF as 229 and 0.5 pF as 508.

What is the code for 1 µF?

1 µF = 1,000,000 pF = 10 followed by five zeros, so 105.

Does every capacitor use this code?

Leaded ceramic capacitors mostly do – KEMET prints e.g. “104K” on its Goldmax series. SMD chip capacitors are normally unmarked, so the code only appears in the part number; electrolytic capacitors usually show the value directly in µF. The result here is calculated from the KEMET rule.

Sources and legal basis

As of: 9 October 2026 · Editorial policy