What does the code 104 mean on a capacitor?

104 = first two digits 10, third digit 4 zeros, so 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF.

How do I do the reverse conversion?

Enter the value in the Value to Code section. The calculator finds the matching standard 3-digit code.

Capacitor codes

Formulas, limitations and content checked according to our Editorial method.

Read the codes printed on ceramic capacitors, type 104, 473 o 221, and also do the reverse conversion from value to code.

3-digit codes pF / nF / µF Reverse conversion

Code → value

Capacitor code

Tolerance letter (optional)

100 nF

FAQ

What does the code 104 mean? 100,000 pF, i.e. 100 nF or 0.1 µF.

Does this work for all capacitors? No. It is for numerical codes of ceramic and film capacitors. The electrolytics report the written value directly.

Can I write 0.1uF or 100n? Yes. The parser accepts pF, nF, µF, uF and simple formats.

Internal links

Capacitors S/P Calculate equivalent capacitance in series and parallel.

Color coded resistor To read color bands resistors.

Practical example capacitors

104

104 significa 10 seguito da 4 zeri in pF: 100000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF.

473

47 seguito da 3 zeri: 47000 pF = 47 nF. Sì, anche qui i codici sembrano inventati da qualcuno pagato a confondere.

Attention

The code often does not say rated voltage, dielectric or ESR. For that you need to read datasheets or additional markings.

Frequently asked questions

How do I read the code 104 on a ceramic capacitor?

10 × 10⁴ pF = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. Third digit is the power of 10.

How do I read code 473?

47 × 10³ pF = 47,000 pF = 47 nF.