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Capacitor Code Calculator: Decode 104, 473 & pF/nF/µF

Decode capacitor codes (104, 473, 100, 4R7) into pF, nF, and µF values or convert capacitance to 3-digit EIA codes with tolerance and tantalum SMD guide.

How it works

Ceramic disk, film, and SMD capacitors use standard 3-digit EIA marking codes to represent capacitance values in picofarads (pF).

The 3-Digit Marking Rule
  • Digits 1 & 2: Significant figures (base value).
  • Digit 3: Multiplier power of 10 (number of trailing zeros in pF).
  • Unit: Base calculated result is always in Picofarads (pF).
Small Values & 'R' Decimal Notation
  • Values under 10 pF: An 'R' denotes a decimal point (e.g. 4R7 = 4.7 pF, 1R0 = 1.0 pF).
  • Small 3-digit values: 100 represents 10 × 10⁰ = 10 pF, while 101 represents 10 × 10¹ = 100 pF.
Quick Lookup Table
100 = 10 pF
101 = 100 pF
102 = 1 nF
103 = 10 nF
104 = 100 nF
105 = 1 µF
224 = 220 nF
473 = 47 nF
Standard Tolerance Letters

A letter suffix specifies tolerance:

F = ±1%
G = ±2%
J = ±5%
K = ±10%
M = ±20%
Tantalum SMD Capacitor Markings

Tantalum capacitor SMD markings vary significantly by manufacturer (such as KEMET, AVX/Kyocera, and Vishay). While many use the standard 3-digit pF code alongside a rated voltage code letter, case sizes (e.g., EIA 3216-18, 3528-21) and polarity bar placements differ. Always verify polarity and voltage rating against the manufacturer's specific component datasheet before applying power, as reverse-polarity tantalum capacitors will short-circuit.

Worked example

Worked Example: 104K Ceramic Capacitor
  • Base = 10
  • Multiplier = 4 zeros (×10,000)
  • Result = 10 × 10,000 = 100,000 pF
  • Conversion: 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF
  • Suffix K = ±10% tolerance
Worked Example: 4R7J Small Value
  • 'R' indicates decimal point: 4R7 = 4.7 pF
  • Suffix J = ±5% tolerance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 100 and 101 capacitor code?

100 is 10 with 0 trailing zeros (10 × 10⁰ pF = 10 pF). 101 is 10 with 1 trailing zero (10 × 10¹ pF = 100 pF). Values with 2 digits (e.g., 22) are also read directly as 22 pF.

What does 4R7 mean on a capacitor?

The letter 'R' designates a decimal point for values under 10 picofarads. Thus 4R7 stands for 4.7 pF, and 1R0 stands for 1.0 pF.

How do I convert between pF, nF, and µF?

Divide by 1,000 to move from pF to nF, and by another 1,000 from nF to µF. For instance, 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF.

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Sources

  • EIA-198-D Standard for Ceramic Dielectric Capacitors.
  • KEMET Tantalum Surface Mount Capacitors Technical Guide.

Results are for engineering assistance. Verify important calculations and check official datasheets. See the Engineering Disclaimer.