Ceramic Capacitor Code Guide: Values, Tolerance, and Voltage

Published Nov 06, 2026, updated Nov 06, 2026

14 min

Ceramic Capacitor Code Chart: Values in pF, nF, and µF
What Is a Ceramic Capacitor Code?
How to Read a Ceramic Capacitor Code in 3 Steps
Common Ceramic Capacitor Codes: 104, 103, and Other Frequent Values
Other Ceramic Capacitor Marking Codes: R, p, n, and Decimal Notation
Ceramic Capacitor Tolerance Codes: J, K, M, and More
Ceramic Capacitor Voltage Codes and Ratings
How to Read Full Ceramic Capacitor Marking: Dielectric, Safety, and Examples
Ceramic Capacitor with No Code: How to Identify Unmarked SMD MLCCs
Conclusion
FAQs About Ceramic Capacitor Codes

Key Takeaways

Three-Digit Rule: The first two digits represent the significant figures, while the third indicates the power-of-ten multiplier. The resulting capacitance is expressed in picofarads (pF).
Common Values: Code 104 represents 100,000 pF (100 nF or 0.1 µF), while 103 represents 10,000 pF (10 nF or 0.01 µF).
Tolerance Letters: Letters indicate capacitance tolerance. Common examples include J (±5%), K (±10%), and M (±20%). For small capacitance values, B, C, and D specify tolerances in pF.
Voltage and Dielectric: The three-digit code does not specify voltage rating or dielectric type.
Unmarked Capacitors: Most small SMD ceramic capacitors have no printed markings. Identify their values using the bill of materials (BOM), component reel label, or an LCR meter with the capacitor removed from the circuit.

A ceramic capacitor code helps you identify a capacitor’s capacitance value.

For example, the three-digit code 104 represents 100,000 pF, equal to 100 nF or 0.1 µF. A letter after the code, such as K in 104K, indicates the capacitance tolerance (±10%).

Voltage ratings and dielectric types must be identified through additional markings, the manufacturer's part number, or the datasheet.

In this guide, you will learn:

How to read a three-digit ceramic capacitor code in three steps
A code chart for common values in pF, nF, and µF
What tolerance letters, voltage codes, and full markings mean
How to identify ceramic capacitors that carry no printed code

Figure: 100nF ceramic disc capacitor with a quick-reference chart of common ceramic capacitor codes in pF, nF, and µF.

Ceramic Capacitor Code Chart: Values in pF, nF, and µF

Common ceramic capacitor codes run from 100 (10 pF) to 226 (22 µF). To convert, divide the pF value by 1,000 to get nF, and divide the nF value by 1,000 to get µF.

Code	Value in pF	Value in nF	Value in µF
100	10	0.01	0.00001
101	100	0.1	0.0001
151	150	0.15	0.00015
221	220	0.22	0.00022
331	330	0.33	0.00033
471	470	0.47	0.00047
681	680	0.68	0.00068
102	1,000	1	0.001
152	1,500	1.5	0.0015
222	2,200	2.2	0.0022
332	3,300	3.3	0.0033
472	4,700	4.7	0.0047
682	6,800	6.8	0.0068
103	10,000	10	0.01
153	15,000	15	0.015
223	22,000	22	0.022
333	33,000	33	0.033
473	47,000	47	0.047
683	68,000	68	0.068
104	100,000	100	0.1
154	150,000	150	0.15
224	220,000	220	0.22
334	330,000	330	0.33
474	470,000	470	0.47
684	680,000	680	0.68
105	1,000,000	1,000	1
225	2,200,000	2,200	2.2
475	4,700,000	4,700	4.7
106	10,000,000	10,000	10
226	22,000,000	22,000	22

Figure: Unit ladder for ceramic capacitor values from pF to nF to µF, with each step dividing by 1,000.

What Is a Ceramic Capacitor Code?

A ceramic capacitor code is a short marking, usually three digits, that gives the capacitance in picofarads (pF). The first two digits are the significant figures, and the third digit usually tells you how many zeros to add. For example, 104 is 10 followed by four zeros, or 100,000 pF (100 nF).

A complete marking can carry four kinds of information:

Capacitance code: Three digits, such as 104, or a short value such as 22 or 4n7 on small parts.
Tolerance letter: One letter after the digits, such as the K in 104K.
Rated voltage: A value such as 50V or 1KV, printed when the body is large enough.
Dielectric or safety class: A code such as X7R, or a safety class such as Y2 on mains-rated discs.

How to Read a Ceramic Capacitor Code in 3 Steps

To read a three-digit ceramic capacitor code, take the first two digits as a number, multiply it by ten raised to the power of the third digit, and read the result in pF. Then convert it to nF or µF.

Figure: Ceramic capacitor code 104 decoded as 10 × 10⁴ pF, equal to 100 nF or 0.1 µF.

Step 1: Take the first two digits: For 104, the significant figures are 1 and 0, which gives 10.

Step 2: Apply the multiplier: The third digit, 4, means × 10⁴, so 10 × 10,000 = 100,000 pF.

Step 3: Convert the unit: Divide by 1,000 to get 100 nF, or by 1,000,000 to get 0.1 µF.

Common Ceramic Capacitor Codes: 104, 103, and Other Frequent Values

A 104 code is 100 nF (0.1 µF), and a 103 code is 10 nF (0.01 µF). They are among the most frequently used ceramic capacitor codes, because 100 nF and 10 nF are standard decoupling and filtering values.

104 Ceramic Capacitor Value

A 104 ceramic capacitor is 100,000 pF, which equals 100 nF or 0.1 µF. It is the most widely used decoupling value, typically placed close to each supply pin of a microcontroller or logic IC.

When replacing a 104 part, match the nominal capacitance and required tolerance, use a suitable voltage rating, and check the replacement's effective capacitance under the circuit's DC bias and temperature conditions.

103 Ceramic Capacitor Value

A 103 ceramic capacitor is 10,000 pF, which equals 10 nF or 0.01 µF. It commonly appears in RC filters, switch-debounce networks, and high-frequency bypassing beside a 100 nF part.

Other codes that appear frequently include:

102: 1 nF, for signal filtering and high-frequency bypassing.
472: 4.7 nF, for filters and noise suppression on signal lines.
105: 1 µF, for decoupling near regulators and IC supply pins.
106: 10 µF, at regulator inputs and outputs, usually as an unmarked SMD part.

Other Ceramic Capacitor Marking Codes: R, p, n, and Decimal Notation

Values below 10 pF often use an R code, such as 4R7 for 4.7 pF, or a third digit of 8 or 9. Older or European parts may instead use a letter as the decimal point (IEC 60062), as in 4n7 for 4.7 nF, or a decimal value in µF.

Format	Example	Value	How to Read It
Two-digit number	22	22 pF	Read directly in pF
R code	4R7	4.7 pF	R marks the decimal point, and the value is in pF
Multiplier 9	479	4.7 pF	47 × 0.1
Multiplier 8	228	0.22 pF	22 × 0.01, found mainly on RF parts
p code	2p2	2.2 pF	p marks the decimal point and the unit (pF)
n code	4n7 or n47	4.7 nF or 0.47 nF (470 pF)	n marks the decimal point and the unit (nF)
Decimal value	.01 or .1	0.01 µF or 0.1 µF	On older discs, a decimal value is typically in µF

Figure: Small ceramic capacitors marked 22, 4R7, 479, and 4n7 with their decoded values.

Note

In the three-digit system, the code 100 means 10 × 10⁰ = 10 pF, not 100 pF. A 100 pF capacitor is marked 101. If a part carries a plain number with no other context, confirm the value against the datasheet or measure it off the board.

Ceramic Capacitor Tolerance Codes: J, K, M, and More

A letter after the capacitance code gives the tolerance: how far the actual capacitance may differ from the marked value under the manufacturer's test conditions. In 473J, the J means ±5%, so the 47 nF part may measure from 44.65 nF to 49.35 nF.

Letter	Tolerance	Typical Use
B	±0.1 pF	Low-capacitance parts; confirm the series-specific range
C	±0.25 pF	Low-capacitance parts; confirm the series-specific range
D	±0.5 pF	Low-capacitance parts; confirm the series-specific range
F	±1%; confirm alternatives from datasheet	Precision C0G parts
G	±2%; confirm alternatives from datasheet	Precision C0G parts
J	±5%	C0G timing and filter parts
K	±10%	General-purpose X7R and X5R parts
M	±20%	X7R, X5R, and Y5V parts, and safety discs
Z	+80% / −20%	Older Y5V and Z5U discs

B, C, and D are absolute tolerances in picofarads, not percentages. A 4.7 pF part marked C, for example, may measure from 4.45 pF to 4.95 pF.

Ceramic Capacitor Voltage Codes and Ratings

The three-digit capacitance code carries no voltage information. A voltage rating is printed on the body when the part is large enough, usually as a plain value such as 50 V or 1 kV; otherwise, it appears as a two-character voltage code, such as 1H for 50 V, in the part number and on the reel label.

Voltage Code	Rated Voltage (DC)
0J	6.3 V
1A	10 V
1C	16 V
1E	25 V
1V	35 V
1H	50 V
2A	100 V
2D	200 V
2E	250 V
2G	400 V
2J	630 V
3A	1,000 V

For example, the 1H in Murata part number GRM188R71H104KA93D indicates a 50 V rating. The same part number also carries R7 for X7R, 104 for 100 nF, and K for ±10%.

These codes are common but not universal. Murata uses YA for 35 V, and Samsung uses single letters, so confirm the code against the datasheet for that series. If the original rating is unknown, take it from the BOM or datasheet, or choose one with a margin above the circuit's highest voltage.

How to Read Full Ceramic Capacitor Marking: Dielectric, Safety, and Examples

A full ceramic capacitor marking combines the capacitance code with a tolerance letter, a voltage rating, and sometimes a dielectric or safety code. Read it field by field: the digits first, then the letter, then any voltage, temperature-characteristic, or safety code.

Dielectric Codes on Ceramic Capacitors

A dielectric code, such as X7R, describes how the capacitance changes with temperature. It is not a tolerance code.

C0G (NP0): 0 ±30 ppm/°C from −55 °C to +125 °C; Class 1, stable, used for timing and filters.
X7R: ±15% capacitance change from −55 °C to +125 °C; Class 2, general purpose.
X5R: ±15% capacitance change from −55 °C to +85 °C; Class 2, common in high-value MLCCs.
Y5V: +22% / −82% capacitance change from −30 °C to +85 °C; Class 2, high capacitance, low stability.

Class 2 dielectrics, such as X7R and X5R, can also lose a significant portion of their capacitance under DC bias. Check the manufacturer's DC-bias curve at your operating voltage and see how the dielectric classes compare for ceramic capacitors.

Safety Class Codes on Ceramic Capacitors: X1, X2, Y1, and Y2

Mains-rated ceramic discs carry a safety class certified under IEC 60384-14:

Figure: Y2 safety ceramic disc capacitor marked 222M Y2 300V~ with each marking field labeled.

X1 and X2: Connected across the line, where a capacitor failure does not create a shock hazard.
Y1 and Y2: Connected from line to protective earth or across the isolation barrier, where a failure could expose a user to shock. Y1 is rated for reinforced insulation, and Y2 for basic insulation.

When replacing a safety capacitor, use a component with the appropriate X or Y safety classification, an equal or higher rated AC voltage, and the required safety approvals. Do not select a replacement based on voltage rating alone.

Ceramic Capacitor Marking Examples Explained

Marking	Capacitance	Tolerance	Voltage	Other Information
104	100 nF	Not marked	Not marked	Typical of small leaded MLCCs
104K	100 nF	±10%	Not marked	Check the datasheet for the voltage
103K 1KV	10 nF	±10%	1 kV DC	High-voltage ceramic disc
2A104J	100 nF	±5%	100 V (2A)	Format is also common on film capacitors
222M Y2 300V~	2.2 nF	±20%	300 V AC	Y2 safety class
GRM188R71H104KA93D	100 nF	±10%	50 V (1H)	X7R, 0603 package, from the reel label

Ceramic Capacitor with No Code: How to Identify Unmarked SMD MLCCs

Most SMD multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) in 0402, 0603, and 0805 packages carry no printed code because the ceramic body is too small for legible markings. Identify them from documentation, and measure them when documentation is missing.

unmarked 0402, 0603, and 0805 smd ceramic capacitors

Figure: Unmarked 0402, 0603, and 0805 SMD ceramic capacitors showing value, voltage, and dielectric.

How to Identify an Unmarked SMD MLCC

Use these sources first:

BOM and schematic: Find the reference designator (e.g., C12) and read the value, voltage, and dielectric from the BOM line.
Reel or bag label: The manufacturer's part number decodes into capacitance, tolerance, voltage, and dielectric.

A code such as 0402 or 0603 is the package size, not the capacitance. See SMD capacitor sizes for the dimensions of each package. For codes printed on tantalum and other SMD capacitors, see how to read an SMD capacitor code.

How to Measure a Ceramic Capacitor Value

Without documentation, measure the capacitor off the board:

Figure: Ceramic capacitor removed from a PCB and measured on an LCR meter at 1 kHz.

Step 1: Discharge the capacitor. Power the board off, then discharge high-voltage parts through a resistor rather than a direct short.

Step 2: Remove the capacitor. In-circuit readings include parallel components and are often unreliable.

Step 3: Measure with an LCR meter. Use the test frequency and voltage specified in the datasheet, typically 1 kHz for Class 2 parts.

Step 4: Compare with the tolerance. Round the reading to the nearest standard value within the expected tolerance.

A meter reading gives capacitance only; choose the voltage rating and dielectric from the circuit.

Conclusion

Understanding a ceramic capacitor code makes it easier to identify capacitance values and select the correct components. Remember that the first two digits represent the significant figures, while the third is the multiplier. For example, 104 means 100 nF, and 103 means 10 nF.

Always check the tolerance letter, voltage rating, and dielectric type before choosing a replacement. If the capacitor has no printed markings, refer to the BOM, component label, or datasheet to confirm its specifications.

FAQs About Ceramic Capacitor Codes

What Is the Difference Between a 104 and a 105 Capacitor?

A 105 capacitor is ten times larger. A 104 part is 100 nF (0.1 µF), while a 105 part is 1 µF, so they are not interchangeable where the value sets timing or filtering.

Is 0.1 µF the Same as 100 nF?

Yes. 0.1 µF, 100 nF, and 100,000 pF are the same capacitance, and all three correspond to the three-digit code 104.

What Does 104K Mean on a Ceramic Capacitor?

104K means a nominal capacitance of 100 nF with a ±10% tolerance. Under the specified test conditions, its capacitance should fall between 90 nF and 110 nF. The K indicates tolerance, not voltage rating.

Can I Replace a Ceramic Capacitor with a Higher Voltage Rating?

Usually yes. A higher voltage rating is acceptable when the capacitance, tolerance, dielectric, and package match, although the higher-rated part may be physically larger or cost more.

Why Does My 104 Capacitor Measure Less Than 100 nF?

A 104 capacitor may measure below 100 nF because of its tolerance, test conditions (frequency and AC voltage), or aging. For example, a 104K capacitor (±10%) can read as low as 90 nF and still be within specification. Class 2 dielectrics such as X7R and X5R also lose capacitance over time (aging), and in a circuit, DC bias can reduce the effective capacitance further.