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Capacitor Code Decoder (SMD & Ceramic)

Decode 3-digit ceramic/SMD capacitor codes to capacitance, tolerance, and voltage rating.

Result
100 nF
No tolerance code provided
In picofarads
100,000 pF
In nanofarads
100 nF
In microfarads
0.1 µF
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COMMON CODES
Method & assumptions

3-digit code: two significant digits × 10third-digit picofarads. Optional trailing letter is tolerance.

Example: 104 = 10 × 104 pF = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. Tolerance codes: F=±1%, G=±2%, J=±5%, K=±10%, M=±20%, Z=+80/−20%.

How to read SMD capacitor codes

Ceramic and SMD capacitors are too small for full markings. The 3-digit code compresses the value: first two digits are significant, third digit is the number of trailing zeros in picofarads. A "225" means 22 × 10⁵ pF = 2,200,000 pF = 2.2 µF. Some tantalum and film capacitors use a different scheme — this decoder is for ceramic/SMD only.

Common codes cheat-sheet

101 = 100 pF · 102 = 1 nF · 103 = 10 nF · 104 = 100 nF · 105 = 1 µF · 106 = 10 µF.

Frequently asked

What does 104 mean on a capacitor?
104 = 10 × 10⁴ pF = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. This is the most common decoupling capacitor value.
What does 103 mean on a capacitor?
103 = 10 × 10³ pF = 10,000 pF = 10 nF = 0.01 µF.
How do I read a tolerance letter?
J=±5%, K=±10%, M=±20% are the most common. F=±1% and G=±2% are precision types. B/C/D are small absolute tolerances (±0.1/0.25/0.5 pF) for small-value capacitors.
Why not just print the value?
SMD packages (0603, 0402, 0201) are too small for full markings. The 3-digit code fits and is unambiguous once you know it.
Next step

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