Capacitor Code Decoder
Enter a 3-digit ceramic capacitor code to read its capacitance.
Decode ceramic capacitor codes
Small ceramic capacitors are marked with a three-digit code rather than their value, which is compact but cryptic. Enter the code and this converts it to capacitance in the units you actually use.
The common code 104 means 10 with four zeros, or 100,000 pF — equal to 100 nF or 0.1 µF. The tool shows all three units at once so you can match it to whatever your schematic specifies.
Quick and private
The decoding is simple arithmetic done in your browser, so it responds instantly and nothing you enter is uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the code work?
The first two digits are significant figures and the third is the number of zeros to append, giving a value in picofarads. So 104 means 10 followed by four zeros — 100,000 pF.
What are the equivalent units?
The tool converts the picofarad value to nanofarads and microfarads too, since datasheets and schematics use all three.
Does it handle 2-digit codes?
A plain number under 100 is read directly as picofarads, which is how small-value capacitors are often marked.
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