1. What is a Capacitor Conversion Code Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the capacitance value from the 3-digit code commonly found on capacitors.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers, technicians, and hobbyists quickly decode capacitor values without memorizing the coding system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( C \) — Capacitance in picofarads (pF)
• \( digit1 \) — First digit of the code (0-9)
• \( digit2 \) — Second digit of the code (0-9)
• \( multiplier \) — Power of 10 multiplier (third digit)

Explanation: The first two digits form a significant number, which is then multiplied by 10 raised to the power of the third digit.

3. Importance of Capacitor Code Conversion

Details: Proper capacitor identification ensures correct circuit operation, prevents damage to components, and helps in troubleshooting.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the three digits from the capacitor code (first digit, second digit, and multiplier). For example, code "104" would be 10 × 10^4 pF = 100,000 pF or 100nF.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my capacitor has only two digits?
A: Two-digit codes typically indicate the value in pF directly (e.g., "47" means 47pF).

Q2: How do I handle letters in the code?
A: Letters often indicate tolerance (J = ±5%, K = ±10%, etc.) or voltage rating and aren't part of the capacitance calculation.

Q3: What's the range of this calculator?
A: It can calculate from 0.1pF (000) up to 99,000,000,000pF (999) - though practical capacitors rarely exceed a few thousand microfarads.

Q4: How do I convert the result to nanofarads or microfarads?
A: 1000pF = 1nF, 1000nF = 1μF. Our result is always in pF for consistency with the coding standard.

Q5: What about capacitors marked with values directly?
A: This calculator is specifically for the 3-digit code system. Some capacitors display values directly (e.g., "100nF").