Electronics decoder
Capacitor Code Decoder
Decode common capacitor value markings such as 104, 472K, 2N2, and 1U0.
Inputs
Results
- Decoded result
- Waiting for input
- Confidence
- Waiting for input
Segment breakdown
Matched fields
Use the decoder above to read a printed capacitor value marking. Enter the code exactly as printed: digits, the letters P, N, U, R, or a trailing tolerance letter. The tool converts through pF and returns nF, uF, or pF.
Reference Table
| Input | Decoded result |
|---|---|
| 104 | 100 nF (10 + 4 zeros in pF) |
| 472K | 4.7 nF, +/- 10% (K = 10%) |
| 2N2 | 2.2 nF (N is the decimal point in nF) |
| 1U0 | 1.0 uF (U is the decimal point in uF) |
| 4R7 | 4.7 pF (R is the decimal point in pF) |
Code Structure
| Format | How to read |
|---|---|
| 3-digit (104) | First two digits are significant figures, last digit is the zero count in pF. |
| Unit letter (2N2, 1U0) | P, N, or U marks the decimal point and the unit: pF, nF, uF. |
| R-decimal (4R7) | R marks the decimal point in pF. |
| Trailing letter (472K) | Tolerance letter: J = 5%, K = 10%, M = 20%, Z = -20/+80%. |
How To Decode
- Enter the marking exactly as printed, keeping digits, unit letters, and the trailing letter.
- Identify the format: digit count, unit letter, or R decimal.
- Read the converted capacitance, then verify voltage rating, dielectric, and polarity in the series data sheet — the value marking does not print them.
Sources And Limits
IEC 60062 style passive component marking conventions and common capacitor tolerance tables; verified 2026-08-26. Voltage, dielectric, polarity, and date codes need package or series context.
Decode logic
- Identify the marking family first: digit-count codes (104), unit-letter decimal codes (2N2, 1U0), or digit codes with a tolerance suffix letter (472K).
- Normalize the decoded value to picofarads, then convert to nanofarads or microfarads; in 2N2 the N marks the decimal point, in 472K the K is a tolerance suffix, not a unit.
- Read a trailing letter such as J, K, M, or Z as the tolerance band only, never as temperature, voltage, or dielectric behavior.
- Use the decoded capacitance as a marking interpretation only and verify voltage rating, dielectric, polarity, and package against the manufacturer data sheet.
FAQs
What capacitance is 104?
104 reads as 10 followed by 4 zeros in picofarads: 100,000 pF, which is 100 nF. Confirm voltage and dielectric on the data sheet.
What does the K mean in 472K?
K is the tolerance suffix (+/- 10%) on a 4,700 pF (4.7 nF) marking. It is not a temperature code or a unit prefix.
Where is the decimal point in 2N2?
The unit letter marks the decimal point: 2N2 is 2.2 nF (2,200 pF). The same rule applies to U, P, and R decimal markings.
What should I enter when the marking is worn?
Enter every legible character including suffix letters, and leave damaged positions unresolved. Compare the visible portion against the reference table and the manufacturer data sheet.