1. What is an SMD Capacitor Value Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the capacitance value from the numeric code found on surface-mount device (SMD) capacitors.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers, technicians, and hobbyists decode the 3-digit marking commonly found on SMD capacitors.

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 (0-9)

Explanation: The first two digits form the significant figures, while the third digit represents the power of 10 multiplier.

3. Importance of SMD Capacitor Codes

Details: SMD capacitors are too small for full value printing, so a 3-digit code system is used. Proper decoding ensures correct component selection.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the first two digits (0-9) and the multiplier (0-9). For example, code "104" would be 10 × 10^4 = 100,000 pF or 100 nF.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my capacitor has letters in the code?
A: Some manufacturers use letter codes for special values or tolerances. This calculator handles standard 3-digit numeric codes only.

Q2: How do I convert pF to nF or µF?
A: 1000 pF = 1 nF, 1000 nF = 1 µF. Our result is always in pF.

Q3: What's the typical range for SMD capacitor values?
A: Commonly from 1 pF to several µF, with most in the 100 pF to 100 nF range.

Q4: What about capacitors marked with just two digits?
A: Two-digit codes typically represent the value directly in pF (e.g., "47" means 47 pF).

Q5: How accurate are these marked values?
A: The code represents the nominal value. Actual capacitance depends on tolerance (usually ±5% to ±20%).