Capacitor Code Converter

Convert between 3-digit capacitor codes and capacitance values. Enter either the code or a value to convert.

Code → Value

Enter a 3-digit code

Value → Code

Enter a capacitance value

How it works

The 3-digit code represents capacitance in picofarads (pF):

104 → 10 + 0000 → 100,000 pF → 100 nF → 0.1 µF

473 → 47 + 000 → 47,000 pF → 47 nF

222 → 22 + 00 → 2,200 pF → 2.2 nF

Common codes

104 = 100nF
103 = 10nF
102 = 1nF
101 = 100pF
473 = 47nF
472 = 4.7nF
471 = 470pF
470 = 47pF
224 = 220nF
223 = 22nF
222 = 2.2nF
221 = 220pF

Capacitor Types

Different dielectrics offer different trade-offs in size, stability, voltage rating, and frequency response.

Ceramic (MLCC)

Multi-layer ceramic. Small, cheap, good for high frequencies. Available in pF to ~100µF.

Use for: Decoupling, high-frequency filtering, timing circuits, general purpose.

Watch out: Class 2 (X5R, X7R) lose capacitance with DC bias and temperature. A "10µF" X5R at 10V bias might only be 5µF. Class 1 (C0G/NP0) are stable but only available in small values.

Film (Polyester, Polypropylene)

Plastic film dielectric. Stable, low loss, self-healing. Larger than ceramic for same value.

Use for: Audio signal coupling, filters, timing, power factor correction, anywhere stability matters.

Note: Polypropylene (PP) best for audio. Polyester (PET/Mylar) cheaper, fine for general use.

Aluminum Electrolytic

High capacitance in small size. Polarized - connect correctly or they explode. Limited life.

Use for: Power supply filtering, bulk energy storage, DC blocking where polarity is known.

Watch out: High ESR limits high-frequency performance. Dry out over time, especially when hot. Don't use for signal coupling.

Tantalum

Polarized, smaller than aluminum electrolytic for same value. Lower ESR.

Use for: Space-constrained power filtering, decoupling where low ESR matters.

Watch out: Fail short-circuit (fire risk). Derate voltage by 50%+ or they fail spectacularly. Many engineers avoid them entirely.

Polymer / Solid Electrolytic

Modern alternative to aluminum and tantalum. Very low ESR, long life, often non-polarized.

Use for: CPU/GPU decoupling, switching power supplies, anywhere you'd use electrolytic but need better performance.

Note: More expensive but worth it for demanding applications.

Mica / C0G Ceramic

Extremely stable with temperature and voltage. Very low loss. Small values only (pF range).

Use for: RF circuits, oscillators, precision timing, sample-and-hold, anywhere stability is critical.

Rule of thumb: Ceramic (C0G for precision, X7R for bulk) handles most needs. Use film for audio signal path. Use polymer electrolytic for power supply bulk capacitance. Avoid tantalum unless you have a good reason.