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Capacitor Code Calculator

Decode a 3-digit capacitor code to pF, nF and µF with tolerance, or convert a value back to its code.

About this tool

Capacitor Code Calculator is a free, in-browser tool that decodes the printed marking on ceramic and film capacitors into a real capacitance, and converts a capacitance back into the nearest 3-digit code. Everything runs locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

A 3-digit code XYZ means capacitance = (10·X + Y) × 10^Z picofarads. For example 104 gives (10·1 + 0) × 10⁴ = 100000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. Codes of one or two digits are read directly as picofarads (a bare 22 is 22 pF). An optional trailing letter is the tolerance: J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%, F = ±1%, G = ±2%, D = ±0.5%. In value-to-code mode the tool finds the two significant digits and the power-of-ten multiplier that best reproduce the value you enter.

Use it when you are reading a marking like "473K" off a board or picking a substitute part: type the code to see pF, nF and µF at a glance, or switch modes and enter a target capacitance to get the code to look for.

Frequently asked questions

How does the 3-digit code work?
The first two digits are the significant figures and the third is the number of zeros to append, giving picofarads: value = (10·X + Y) × 10^Z pF. So 104 is 10 followed by four zeros = 100000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF.
What do the tolerance letters mean?
A letter after the number gives the capacitor's tolerance: J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%, F = ±1%, G = ±2%, D = ±0.5%. It is optional — leave it off and the tolerance tile simply shows that none was given.
How are one- and two-digit codes read?
Codes shorter than three digits are taken as a direct picofarad value with no multiplier. A capacitor marked 22 is 22 pF, and 47 is 47 pF — common on small ceramic disc capacitors.
Is my input sent anywhere?
No. The decoding is pure arithmetic performed in your browser; the code or value you type never leaves your device, and the tool works offline.

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