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SMD Chip Package Size Chart: Imperial and Metric Codes

SMD chip sizes are written in two different codes, imperial in hundredths of an inch and metric in tenths of a millimetre. This chart lets you convert between them and see the nominal body dimensions at a glance.

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Imperial codeMetric codeNominal length (mm)Nominal width (mm)Nominal length (in)Nominal width (in)Typical resistor powerNote
01005
0402
0.4
0.2
0.016
0.008
1/32 W
Very small, needs tight process control
0201
0603
0.6
0.3
0.024
0.012
1/20 W
Common in dense mobile designs
0402
1005
1
0.5
0.04
0.02
1/16 W
Widely used general purpose size
0603
1608
1.6
0.8
0.063
0.031
1/10 W
Easy to hand rework
0805
2012
2
1.25
0.079
0.049
1/8 W
Common for prototypes
1206
3216
3.2
1.6
0.126
0.063
1/4 W
More flex crack risk for ceramics
1210
3225
3.2
2.5
0.126
0.098
1/2 W
Used for higher value capacitors
1812
4532
4.5
3.2
0.177
0.126
n/a
Common for larger capacitors and inductors
2010
5025
5
2.5
0.197
0.098
3/4 W
Power resistors
2512
6432
6.3
3.2
0.248
0.126
1 W
Current sense resistors

Dimensions are nominal values. Tolerances, thickness and power ratings differ by manufacturer and series, so always confirm against the datasheet and land pattern standard (IPC-7351) used by your CAD library.

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How to read the codes

An imperial code such as 0603 means roughly 0.06 inch by 0.03 inch. A metric code such as 1608 means 1.6 mm by 0.8 mm. The same physical part is 0603 in imperial and 1608 in metric. The exception that catches people is 0402: imperial 0402 is 1.0 by 0.5 mm, while metric 0402 is the much smaller imperial 01005. Always state which system you are using in a BOM or an email.

Why the size matters in assembly

Package size drives nozzle choice, feeder tape width, stencil aperture design and the inspection resolution you need. Small sizes such as 01005 need very tight printing control and fine nozzles. Larger ceramic capacitors are more prone to flex cracks when boards bend during depaneling.

  • 8 mm tape is typical for chip sizes up to 1206
  • Smaller parts need smaller stencil apertures and finer fiducial alignment
  • Check the land pattern against IPC-7351 naming

Worked example

A BOM from a European customer lists capacitors as 1005. The buyer's ERP uses imperial codes and has an item described as 0402. This chart confirms they are the same physical size at 1.0 by 0.5 mm, so the item can be matched without an engineering query. Record both codes in the item description to avoid future confusion.

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is mixing the 0402 imperial and 0402 metric names. The second is assuming the power rating is fixed by size; it depends on the series and the thermal design of the board. The third is using a footprint for the wrong thickness or termination style. Keep the datasheet with the BOM line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 0402 metric the same as 0402 imperial?

No. Imperial 0402 is about 1.0 by 0.5 mm. Metric 0402 is about 0.4 by 0.2 mm and equals imperial 01005. Always label which system you use when ordering or writing a BOM.

What is 0603 in mm?

Imperial 0603 is about 1.6 by 0.8 mm, and its metric code is 1608. Metric 0603 is a different, much smaller part that equals imperial 0201 at about 0.6 by 0.3 mm.

Does package size set the power rating?

It sets a typical range only. Rating depends on the manufacturer series, pad design and board copper. Use the datasheet derating curve for the actual application.

Which size is easiest to rework by hand?

0603 and 0805 are usually the easiest for hand soldering. 0402 is possible with a microscope and good tools. 0201 and 01005 are generally reworked with a hot air or specialised station.

If your ERP item master holds both imperial and metric descriptions, Netray can help standardise item attributes so BOM and AVL searches work.

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