Capacitor Code Calculator

What Is a Capacitor Code?

Most small capacitors do not have enough space to print their full value. Instead, manufacturers use a standard 3-digit code defined by IEC 60062.

This code represents the capacitor’s value in picofarads (pF) using a simple rule:

• First two digits → significant numbers
• Third digit → number of zeros to add

Example

• Code 104
• First two digits: 10
• Third digit: 4
• Value = 10 × 10⁴ = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF

A capacitor code calculator removes the need to manually calculate these values.

What Is a Capacitor Code Calculator?

A capacitor code calculator is an electronic tool that converts:

• Capacitor code → Capacitance value
• Capacitance value → Capacitor code

It also helps identify:

• Tolerance range
• Voltage rating
• Full capacitor marking

This makes it extremely useful for:

• Students learning electronics
• Technicians repairing circuits
• Engineers designing PCBs
• DIY hobbyists and makers

Why You Need a Capacitor Code Calculator

Using a calculator instead of manual conversion helps you:

• Avoid calculation mistakes
• Save time during circuit testing
• Identify unknown capacitors accurately
• Confirm replacement components quickly
• Work confidently with small SMD capacitors

Even experienced engineers rely on capacitor calculators for speed and accuracy.

Capacitor Types Supported by the Calculator

The calculator you shared supports multiple capacitor types, each with its usual unit:

1. Ceramic Capacitors (pF)

• Common in high-frequency circuits
• Usually marked with 3-digit codes

2. Electrolytic Capacitors (µF)

• Used for power filtering
• Often larger and polarized

3. Film Capacitors (nF)

• Stable and reliable
• Common in audio and timing circuits

4. Tantalum Capacitors (µF)

• Compact and precise
• Used in modern electronics

5. Mica Capacitors (pF)

• High stability
• Used in RF applications

The calculator automatically adjusts units based on the selected capacitor type.

Understanding the Two Calculation Modes

Code to Value Mode

This mode converts a 3-digit capacitor code into:

• pF
• nF
• µF

You simply enter the code (example: 104), select tolerance and voltage (optional), and click Calculate.

Value to Code Mode

This mode works in reverse:

• Enter a capacitance value
• Choose the unit (pF, nF, µF, mF)
• Instantly get the matching 3-digit code

This is especially useful when selecting components for PCB design.

How the Capacitor Code Calculator Works (Behind the Scenes)

The calculator follows a clear and reliable logic:

1. Reads the input value or code
2. Converts everything into picofarads
3. Applies IEC 60062 standard rules
4. Formats results into readable units
5. Displays tolerance and voltage information
6. Generates a complete capacitor marking

This ensures consistent and accurate results every time.

Understanding Tolerance Codes

Tolerance shows how much a capacitor value can vary.

Code	Tolerance
J	±5%
K	±10%
M	±20%
Z	+80% / −20%
Not marked	±20%

The calculator automatically displays tolerance in plain text, making it easy to understand real-world behavior.

Voltage Rating Codes Explained

Voltage ratings protect circuits from failure. The calculator supports common voltage codes such as:

• 1A → 10V
• 1C → 16V
• 1E → 25V
• 1H → 50V
• 2A → 100V
• 2J → 630V

If a voltage code is selected, the calculator shows it clearly in the results.

Full Capacitor Marking Output

One of the most useful features is the Full Marking result.

Example output:

104K 1E

This tells you:

• Capacitance code
• Tolerance
• Voltage rating

It mirrors real capacitor labeling found on physical components.

Common Capacitor Code Examples

Code	Value
101	100 pF
102	1,000 pF
103	10 nF
104	100 nF
225	2.2 µF
472	4.7 nF

With a calculator, you never need to memorize these.

Who Should Use a Capacitor Code Calculator?

This tool is ideal for:

• Electronics students
• Electrical engineers
• Repair technicians
• PCB designers
• Hobbyists and makers
• DIY electronics learners

Whether you are troubleshooting a power supply or building a custom circuit, this calculator simplifies your workflow.

Accuracy and Standards

The calculator follows:

• IEC 60062 standard
• Industry-accepted unit conversions
• Practical rounding methods

For high-precision applications, real-world measurements using an LCR meter are still recommended.