How do I read a 3-digit SMD capacitor code?

The first two digits are the significant figures and the third digit is the power-of-ten multiplier, in picofarads. For example, 104 means 10 times 10^4, which is 100,000 pF, or 100 nF, or 0.1 µF.

What do multiplier digits 8 and 9 mean?

Digits 0-7 mean multiply by 10 raised to that digit. Digits 8 and 9 are exceptions reserved for small values: 8 means multiply by 0.01 and 9 means multiply by 0.1. For example, 339 means 33 times 0.1, which is 3.3 pF.

What does a trailing letter like J or K mean?

It is the tolerance code. Common letters are B (±0.1 pF), C (±0.25 pF), D (±0.5 pF), F (±1%), G (±2%), J (±5%), K (±10%), M (±20%), and Z (+80%/-20%). A code like 104J means 100,000 pF at ±5% tolerance.

Does this code apply to tantalum capacitors too?

Yes, molded tantalum capacitors commonly use the same 3-digit significant-figures-plus-multiplier scheme in picofarads, often followed by a tolerance letter and sometimes a voltage code.

How do I convert the decoded picofarad value to microfarads?

Divide by 1,000,000. For example, 100,000 pF is 0.1 µF. This tool converts automatically and shows the result in the most readable unit.

What is the smallest capacitance this code can represent?

With the 8-multiplier exception (×0.01), a code like 108 represents 10 times 0.01, or 0.1 pF, which is the practical floor for this coding scheme.

SMD Capacitor Code

Name: SMD Capacitor Code
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Decode a 3-digit SMD ceramic or tantalum capacitor code into a capacitance value, or find the code for a target capacitance.

Capacitor code

104 → 10 × 10^4 pF = 100nF

473 → 47 × 10^3 pF = 47nF

339 → 33 × 0.1 pF = 3.3pF

104J → 100nF, ±5% tolerance

Enter a code or a capacitance value to see the result

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Summary

Decode a 3-digit SMD ceramic or tantalum capacitor code into a capacitance value, or find the code for a target capacitance.

How it works

Type the code printed on the capacitor, such as 104, 473, or 104J, into the Decode field.
The first two digits are read as significant figures and the third digit as a power-of-ten multiplier in picofarads.
A trailing letter, if present, is read as the tolerance code and shown alongside the value.
Switch to Reverse Lookup, enter a target capacitance and unit, and the tool generates the closest matching 3-digit code.
Click any result to copy it to your clipboard.

Use cases

Identify an unknown SMD ceramic capacitor pulled from a board.
Verify a BOM value against the code printed on a component.
Convert a printed capacitor code straight to pF, nF, or µF without doing the math by hand.
Find the 3-digit code to specify on a schematic or purchase order for a target capacitance.
Check a tantalum capacitor's tolerance letter against the standard EIA tolerance table.
Teach SMD capacitor coding conventions in an electronics class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-21 · Reviewed by Nham Vu