Practical Electronics/Finding component information/Capacitors

Ceramic Numbering Code

Generally, they use an alphanumeric marking system. The number part is the same as for SMT resistors, except that the value represented is in pF. They may also be written out directly, for instance, 2n2 = 2.2 nF. For capacitors the tolerance code is:

Tolerance Code	Tolerance
A	± 0.05 pF
B	± 0.1 pF
C	± 0.25 pF
D	± 0.5 pF
E	± 0.5%
F	± 1%
G	± 2%
H	± 3%
J	± 5%
K	± 10%
L*	± 15%
M	± 20%
N*	± 30%
P*	−0% +100%
S*	−20% +50%
W*	−0% +200%
X*	−20% +40%
Z	−20% +80%

letters with * are not used consistently.

how similar is this to resistors?

For example, .047K = .047 µF 10%.

The dielectric material is sometimes designated by another code: (note: the materials in the table below are not ceramic capacitors as implied, but plastic and paper)

Marking	Material
KT	Polyester Film / Foil
MKT	Metallized Polyester (PETP)
KC	Polycarbonate Film / Foil
MKC	Metallized Polycarbonate
KS	Polystyrene Film / Foil
KPS	foil/pps?
MPS	Metallized pps
KP	Polypropylene Film / Foil
MKP	Metallized Polypropylene
MP	Metallized paper

Please note that the table above is valid most of the time but not always because it is not a real standard. To be real sure you may check the data sheet from the manufacturer in mind.

The cap color can also indicate the dielectric:

Black

Brown

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue

Violet

Red/Orange

Orange/Orange

Yellow/Orange

Green/Orange

Blue/Orange

Red/Violet

C0G/NP0

N030

N080

N150

N220

N330

N470

N750

N1000

N1500

N2200

N3300

N4700

P100

more info at http://my.execpc.com/~endlr/markings.html

Axial ceramic capacitors

These often have a yellow body, and use the same color band system as resistors, except that the value indicated is in pF.

Multilayer Ceramic capacitors

These usually use the same alphanumeric system.