# Capacitor Code Reference Table (Value, Tolerance and Dielectric)

> Source: https://netray.co/tools/capacitor-code-reference-table
> Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems.
> Section: Free Tools

## Short answer

Decode 3 digit capacitor markings, tolerance letters and EIA dielectric codes in one searchable lookup table.

## Category

electronics

## Industry

Electronics Manufacturing

## Audience

- Electronics technician
- Design engineer
- Incoming inspector
- Electronics buyer

## Tool

**Kind:** worksheet

**Mode:** reference

**Columns:**

#### Type

**Key:** type

**Type:** text

#### Code

**Key:** code

**Type:** text

#### Meaning

**Key:** meaning

**Type:** text

#### Equivalent or detail

**Key:** equiv

**Type:** text

**Rows:**

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 109

**Meaning:** 1.0 pF

**Equiv:** Multiplier 9 means x0.1

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 509

**Meaning:** 5.0 pF

**Equiv:** Multiplier 9 means x0.1

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 101

**Meaning:** 100 pF

**Equiv:** 0.1 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 151

**Meaning:** 150 pF

**Equiv:** 0.15 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 221

**Meaning:** 220 pF

**Equiv:** 0.22 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 331

**Meaning:** 330 pF

**Equiv:** 0.33 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 471

**Meaning:** 470 pF

**Equiv:** 0.47 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 681

**Meaning:** 680 pF

**Equiv:** 0.68 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 102

**Meaning:** 1,000 pF

**Equiv:** 1 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 152

**Meaning:** 1,500 pF

**Equiv:** 1.5 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 222

**Meaning:** 2,200 pF

**Equiv:** 2.2 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 332

**Meaning:** 3,300 pF

**Equiv:** 3.3 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 472

**Meaning:** 4,700 pF

**Equiv:** 4.7 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 682

**Meaning:** 6,800 pF

**Equiv:** 6.8 nF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 103

**Meaning:** 10,000 pF

**Equiv:** 10 nF = 0.01 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 153

**Meaning:** 15,000 pF

**Equiv:** 15 nF = 0.015 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 223

**Meaning:** 22,000 pF

**Equiv:** 22 nF = 0.022 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 333

**Meaning:** 33,000 pF

**Equiv:** 33 nF = 0.033 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 473

**Meaning:** 47,000 pF

**Equiv:** 47 nF = 0.047 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 683

**Meaning:** 68,000 pF

**Equiv:** 68 nF = 0.068 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 104

**Meaning:** 100,000 pF

**Equiv:** 100 nF = 0.1 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 154

**Meaning:** 150,000 pF

**Equiv:** 150 nF = 0.15 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 224

**Meaning:** 220,000 pF

**Equiv:** 220 nF = 0.22 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 334

**Meaning:** 330,000 pF

**Equiv:** 330 nF = 0.33 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 474

**Meaning:** 470,000 pF

**Equiv:** 470 nF = 0.47 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 684

**Meaning:** 680,000 pF

**Equiv:** 680 nF = 0.68 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 105

**Meaning:** 1,000,000 pF

**Equiv:** 1 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 225

**Meaning:** 2,200,000 pF

**Equiv:** 2.2 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 475

**Meaning:** 4,700,000 pF

**Equiv:** 4.7 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 106

**Meaning:** 10,000,000 pF

**Equiv:** 10 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 226

**Meaning:** 22,000,000 pF

**Equiv:** 22 uF

**Type:** Value

**Code:** 4R7

**Meaning:** 4.7 pF

**Equiv:** R acts as the decimal point

**Type:** Tolerance

**Code:** B

**Meaning:** +/- 0.1 pF

**Equiv:** Small value C0G types

**Type:** Tolerance

**Code:** C

**Meaning:** +/- 0.25 pF

**Equiv:** Small value C0G types

**Type:** Tolerance

**Code:** D

**Meaning:** +/- 0.5 pF

**Equiv:** Small value C0G types

**Type:** Tolerance

**Code:** F

**Meaning:** +/- 1%

**Equiv:** Precision

**Type:** Tolerance

**Code:** G

**Meaning:** +/- 2%

**Equiv:** Precision

**Type:** Tolerance

**Code:** J

**Meaning:** +/- 5%

**Equiv:** Common for C0G and film

**Type:** Tolerance

**Code:** K

**Meaning:** +/- 10%

**Equiv:** Common for X7R

**Type:** Tolerance

**Code:** M

**Meaning:** +/- 20%

**Equiv:** Common for X5R, X7R and electrolytic

**Type:** Tolerance

**Code:** Z

**Meaning:** +80% / -20%

**Equiv:** Typical of Y5V and some bypass parts

**Type:** Dielectric

**Code:** C0G (NP0)

**Meaning:** -55 to 125 C, 0 +/- 30 ppm/C

**Equiv:** Class 1, very stable, no aging, low capacitance range

**Type:** Dielectric

**Code:** X7R

**Meaning:** -55 to 125 C, +/- 15%

**Equiv:** Class 2, loses capacitance with DC bias and ages

**Type:** Dielectric

**Code:** X5R

**Meaning:** -55 to 85 C, +/- 15%

**Equiv:** Class 2, common in small high value parts

**Type:** Dielectric

**Code:** X7S

**Meaning:** -55 to 125 C, +/- 22%

**Equiv:** Class 2

**Type:** Dielectric

**Code:** Y5V

**Meaning:** -30 to 85 C, +22% / -82%

**Equiv:** Class 2, wide swing, avoid where value matters

**Type:** Dielectric

**Code:** Z5U

**Meaning:** +10 to 85 C, +22% / -56%

**Equiv:** Class 2, wide swing

**Notes:** Three digit code rule: the first two digits are the value and the third is the number of zeros, giving picofarads. 104 = 10 followed by 4 zeros = 100,000 pF. Many small SMD ceramic capacitors carry no marking at all, so rely on reel labels and the manufacturer part number.

## Content

**Intro:** A capacitor marked 104 is not 104 of anything. It is 10 followed by four zeros, in picofarads. This lookup table decodes value codes, tolerance letters and the dielectric designations you see on ceramic parts, so you can check a part against the BOM without guessing.

**Sections:**

#### How to use the table

**Body:** Type the marking into the search box, for example 473 or X7R, and the matching rows appear. For value codes read the picofarad figure and the nF or uF equivalent. For tolerance, the letter often follows the number, so 104K is 100 nF at plus or minus 10 percent. For dielectric, look up the temperature range and capacitance change so you know whether a substitute is truly equivalent. Export the table to PDF for the bench or to Excel for your inspection plan.

#### The rules behind the codes

**Body:** The three digit system is simple: the first two digits are significant figures and the third is a power of ten multiplier, with the result in picofarads. A multiplier of 9 means times 0.1, which is how 509 becomes 5.0 pF. An R in the code marks the decimal point. Dielectric codes follow EIA-198: class 1 types like C0G are stable and do not age, while class 2 types like X7R and X5R trade stability for volume and change with temperature, DC bias and time.

**Bullets:**

- C0G for timing, filters and precision analog.
- X7R and X5R for decoupling and bulk bypass.
- Y5V and Z5U lose a large fraction of rated capacitance in use.

#### Common mistakes in sourcing and substitution

**Body:** The costliest error is treating nominal value as the only spec. A 10 uF X5R in a small case can fall to a fraction of that at rated DC voltage. Substituting X7R for C0G in an oscillator or filter changes behavior. Voltage rating, case size, ESR and the dielectric must all be on the BOM line and the AVL, and a cross reference should be engineering approved. Also watch for polarity on tantalum and electrolytic parts, which the code table does not cover.

**Bullets:**

- Check DC bias derating curves for class 2 parts.
- Never accept a different dielectric as a drop in alternate without review.
- Keep voltage rating and case size on the item master.

**Cta:** If cross references and alternates are scattered across spreadsheets and ERP records, we can help link them to approved item specs. Optional, and this table needs nothing from us.

**Faq:**

#### What is the value of a 104 capacitor?

**Answer:** 104 means 10 followed by 4 zeros in picofarads, which is 100,000 pF. That equals 100 nF or 0.1 uF. It is one of the most common decoupling values on digital boards.

#### What does the K or M after the number mean?

**Answer:** It is the tolerance letter. K is plus or minus 10 percent and M is plus or minus 20 percent. J is 5 percent. So 104K is 100 nF with 10 percent tolerance.

#### Is X7R the same as X5R?

**Answer:** Both are class 2 ceramics with plus or minus 15 percent over their temperature range, but X7R covers minus 55 to 125 C and X5R only to 85 C. Use X7R where the board runs hot or where the spec requires it.

#### Why do some SMD capacitors have no marking?

**Answer:** Chip capacitors are small and ceramic bodies are not marked in production. Identification relies on the reel or bag label and the manufacturer part number. Keep unmarked parts in labeled containers to avoid mix ups.

## Search terms

capacitor code chart, 104 capacitor value, capacitor code 473, capacitor tolerance letter code, x7r vs c0g capacitor, ceramic capacitor marking, capacitor 3 digit code calculator, capacitor dielectric codes

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