This capacitance calculator can be used to calculate both the capacitor value and the capacitor code. If you know the code, you can use the capacitance code to value calculator, or if you know the value, you can use the capacitance value to code calculator.
Capacitor Value Calculator - Code to Value
This Capacitor Value Calculator calculates the capacitance value of a ceramic capacitor upon providing the capacitor code in the input field below.
Capacitor Code Calculator - Value to Code
This capacitor value calculator online calculates the ceramic capacitor calculator code upon providing the capacitance value of the capacitor in the input field below.
How the Capacitor Value/Code Calculator Works?
As ceramic capacitors have less surface area because of their tiny size, their value is not written on the capacitor, instead, an encoded code is written on them. By using this capacitor value calculator, we can calculate the value of that capacitor, or vice versa. For electrolytic capacitors, simply capacitance values are simply written on them.
Capacitor Code Calculator - Encoding System for Ceramic Capacitors
Ceramic capacitors encoding consists of 1-3 digits.
If the capacitor calculator code consists only of 1 or 2 digits, it is simply their capacitance value in picoFarads (pF). For example, if a ceramic capacitor has a code ‘5’ and another has ‘47’, their respective capacitance values are 5 pF and 47 pF.
For a 3-digit capacitor code, the first two digits are the capacitance value in pF, and the third digit is a multiplier factor of the first two digits to calculate the final capacitance value of the capacitor.
The 3rd digit ranges between 0-6. It can’t exceed more than 6.
If the 3rd digit is 0, it means the multiplier factor of 1.
If the 3rd digit is 1, it means the multiplier factor of 10.
If the 3rd digit is 2, it means the multiplier factor of 100.
If the 3rd digit is 3, it means the multiplier factor of 1000.
If the 3rd digit is 4, it means the multiplier factor of 10000.
If the 3rd digit is 5, it means the multiplier factor of 100000.
If the 3rd digit is 6, it means the multiplier factor of 1000000.
To understand how a multiplier works, let’s take an example of a capacitor with code ‘104’.
As the first two digits are 10 and the 3rd digit is 4, so multiplier factor is 10000; the total capacitance value in pF is as follows:
10*10000 = 100000 pF
Similarly, if the capacitor code is 152, the 3rd digit is 2, so the multiplier factor is 100. The capacitance value will be calculated as follows:
15*100 = 1500 pF
Detailed Instructions for Using the Capacitor Value Calculator
Method 1: Converting Code to Value
1. Choose the 1-3 digit number printed on your ceramic capacitor to determine the capacitor code.
2. Enter the code: Use our capacitance code calculator to enter the entire code.
3. Select Calculate. Values in pF, nF, and μF will be displayed immediately by the calculator.
4. Examine the outcome and select the best unit for your use case.
Method 2: Value to Code Conversion
1. Using your capacitance value, calculate the required capacitance for your circuit.
2. Select the appropriate unit: MicroFarad, nanoFarad, or picoFarad
3. Type the value in: Enter the number using our capacitor conversion calculator.
4. Obtain the code: The calculator provides the matching three-digit capacitor code.
Common Capacitor Codes and Values Reference Table:
|
Capacitor Code |
Capacitance (pF) |
Capacitance (nF) |
Common Application |
|---|---|---|---|
|
101 |
100 pF |
0.1 nF |
High-frequency circuits |
|
102 |
1000 pF |
1 nF |
Coupling capacitors |
|
103 |
10000 pF |
10 nF |
Bypass capacitors |
|
104 |
100000 pF |
100 nF |
Power supply filtering |
|
105 |
1000000 pF |
1000 nF (1 μF) |
Audio circuits |
Frequently Asked Questions
⇥ How precise is this online calculator for capacitor values?
Our capacitance value calculator is 100% accurate. The calculator adheres to the precise mathematical formula that capacitor manufacturers use all over the world. Because it employs the accepted IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) encoding scheme.
⇥ Can I use any kind of capacitor with this calculator?
Ceramic capacitors with codes between one and three digits are the target of this capacitor calculator code. The capacitance value of electrolytic capacitors is typically printed directly on the part and doesn't need to be converted into a code.
⇥ Why do codes, rather than direct values, get used in ceramic capacitors?
Because ceramic capacitors are so tiny, it is impossible to print complete capacitance values with clarity. Manufacturers can indicate exact values in a minimal amount of space while still ensuring readability thanks to the 3-digit code system.
⇥ What distinguishes pF, nF, and μF from one another?
These are different units of capacitance:
• pF (picoFarad) = 10⁻¹² Farads
• nF (nanoFarad) = 10⁻⁹ Farads = 1,000 pF
• μF (microFarad) = 10⁻⁶ Farads = 1,000,000 pF
Our capacitor conversion calculator shows all three units automatically.
This is how a capacitance value calculator determines the value of a ceramic capacitor based on the code, or vice versa, using a proven capacitor value calculation formula.
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