What does 104 mean on a capacitor?

104 means 10 × 10⁴ picofarads = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. It is one of the most common ceramic capacitors used for decoupling in digital circuits.

How do I convert µF to a 3-digit code?

First convert µF to pF (multiply by 1,000,000). Then express as two significant digits × 10^n. For example, 0.47 µF = 470,000 pF = 47 × 10⁴, so the code is 474.

Capacitor Code Converter

Decode 3-digit ceramic capacitor codes to pF, nF, and µF, or convert a capacitance value back to its marking code.

Capacitor Code

Result

3-Digit Code
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pF
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nF
—
µF
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Common Capacitor Codes

Code	pF	nF	µF	Note

EIA Tolerance Codes

How to Read Capacitor Codes

Ceramic capacitors use a 3-digit code printed on the body. The first two digits are the significant value, and the third digit is the multiplier (power of 10). The result is in picofarads (pF). For example, '104' means 10 × 10⁴ = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. An optional letter after the code indicates tolerance: J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%.

Shorthand Notation

Some schematics use shorthand like '4n7' for 4.7 nF, '2u2' for 2.2 µF, or '1p5' for 1.5 pF. The letter replaces the decimal point and indicates the unit. This converter accepts all common formats: 3-digit codes, shorthand notation, and direct values with units.

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