Capacitor Code Chart

Use this capacitor code chart after the calculator result to document the marking, converted capacitance, tolerance, voltage rating, polarity, and circuit use.

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Quick reference table

Use the chart to check common markings before opening the calculator: 104K = 100 nF at +/-10%, 223 = 22 nF, 475 = 4.7 uF, and 4R7 = 4.7 pF. Then confirm voltage rating, tolerance mark, polarity, dielectric type, package, and circuit role before using the value for timing, filtering, coupling, or replacement.

Common capacitor code conversions

Common capacitor code conversions
Code	pF	nF	uF
101	100 pF	0.1 nF	0.0001 uF
102	1,000 pF	1 nF	0.001 uF
223	22,000 pF	22 nF	0.022 uF
472	4,700 pF	4.7 nF	0.0047 uF
103	10,000 pF	10 nF	0.01 uF
104K	100,000 pF	100 nF	0.1 uF at +/-10%
105	1,000,000 pF	1,000 nF	1 uF
475	4,700,000 pF	4,700 nF	4.7 uF
4R7	4.7 pF	0.0047 nF	0.0000047 uF

Replacement notes after decoding

Replacement notes after decoding
Marking or feature	What it affects	What to document
Voltage rating	Maximum applied voltage	Replacement rating must be suitable for the circuit
Polarity mark	Installation direction for polarized parts	Negative stripe or positive lead orientation
Tolerance letter	Allowed capacitance range	Timing or filter sensitivity
Dielectric type	Stability, loss, and temperature behavior	Use datasheet when circuit function depends on it

Calculator handoff after decoding the marking

Calculator handoff after decoding the marking
Search intent	Open the calculator when	Keep with the result
Three-digit marking lookup	The code must be converted into pF, nF, and uF without losing the original marking	Visible code, letter suffix, converted value, and uncertainty if the marking is damaged
Replacement screening	The decoded value must be checked with voltage rating, polarity, tolerance, and package constraints	Voltage mark, polarity mark, dielectric family, tolerance letter, and package note
Timing or filter work	The decoded capacitance feeds RC timing, reactance, series, or parallel capacitor math	Circuit role, resistance or frequency context, and tolerance band
Unknown or manufacturer-specific marking	The code is incomplete, mixed with a series code, or needs a datasheet before reuse	Photo/marking note, manufacturer family, datasheet source, and do-not-substitute flag

Formula basis

Three-digit code value in pF = first two digits x 10^(third digit). Convert pF to nF by dividing by 1,000 and to uF by dividing by 1,000,000.

The first two digits are significant figures.
The third digit is the power-of-ten multiplier in picofarads.
Converted capacitance can be expressed in pF, nF, or uF.
Letter markings may indicate tolerance, and R-coded markings use R as the decimal point in picofarads.

Worked examples

Decode code 104 for a bypass capacitorCode 104K means 10 x 10^4 pF = 100,000 pF, which is 100 nF or 0.1 uF, with K commonly read as +/-10% tolerance. The next check is the voltage rating and whether the dielectric is suitable for the circuit location.

Decode code 472 for a timing circuitCode 472 means 47 x 10^2 pF = 4,700 pF, which is 4.7 nF or 0.0047 uF. In an RC timing circuit, tolerance can move the timing result enough to matter.

Assumptions. Balanced load and line-to-line voltage assumptions behind this chart.

The chart covers common three-digit capacitor value markings used on many small capacitors.
Voltage rating, dielectric type, polarity, tolerance, package, and manufacturer markings still need separate verification.
A decoded value does not approve a substitution in a power supply, motor, safety, or manufacturer-controlled assembly.

Code and standard notes. Planning limits that should be checked before final equipment selection.

This chart identifies component value and does not approve capacitor substitution, stored-energy handling, or equipment repair decisions by itself.

How to use this chart

1Read the value codeIdentify the three-digit capacitance code before converting it into pF, nF, or uF.

2Check extra markingsLook for voltage rating, polarity, tolerance letters, or manufacturer marks before treating the decoded value as enough information.

3Connect the value to useAfter the calculator result, note whether the capacitor is used for timing, filtering, coupling, bypass, or replacement.

Worksheet checklist. Record source basis, review gaps, and assumptions before using the chart result.

Record the markingWrite the visible code, any letter suffix, voltage marking, and polarity mark before selecting a replacement or calculator path.
Convert all unitsDocument the value in pF, nF, and uF so it can be reused in timing and reactance calculators without unit confusion.
Add circuit constraintsRecord voltage, polarity, dielectric, tolerance, and physical package notes when the value affects a real circuit decision.

Common mistakes to avoid. Review these before turning chart current into an equipment decision.

Reading 104 as 104 pF instead of 100,000 pF, 100 nF, or 0.1 uF.
Ignoring polarity or voltage rating when replacing an electrolytic or other marked capacitor.
Using the decoded capacitance in timing or reactance work without accounting for tolerance and dielectric behavior.

Frequently asked questions

These answers explain how to use the chart without turning a quick reference into a final design decision.

Does the three-digit code include voltage rating?

No. The basic three-digit code gives capacitance value. Voltage rating and dielectric details must come from other markings, the part family, or a datasheet.

When should I use the capacitor calculator?

Use it when the decoded value feeds timing, reactance, energy, series, or parallel capacitor calculations.

Can I replace a capacitor with the same uF value only?

No. The replacement also needs suitable voltage rating, polarity, dielectric behavior, tolerance, temperature rating, and package fit.

When should I open the capacitor code calculator?

Open the calculator when the printed code, unit conversion, tolerance mark, voltage rating, and circuit role need to be recorded together before a timing, reactance, or replacement check.