Capacitor Color Code Calculator
Decode capacitor color bands to calculate capacitance values, tolerance, and specifications. Supports 3, 4, and 5-band capacitors with visual color selection.
Color Code Calculator
Visual Capacitor
Select Colors for Each Band
Capacitance Result
4-BAND Capacitor
Calculation Formula
Value in all units:
• 1200 pF
• 1.2 nF
• 0.00 µF
Color Code Reference
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
Black | 0 | ×1 | - |
Brown | 1 | ×10 | ±1% |
Red | 2 | ×100 | ±2% |
Orange | 3 | ×1000 | - |
Yellow | 4 | ×10000 | - |
Green | 5 | ×100000 | ±0.5% |
Blue | 6 | ×1000000 | ±0.25% |
Violet | 7 | ×10000000 | ±0.1% |
Gray | 8 | ×100000000 | ±0.05% |
White | 9 | ×1000000000 | - |
Gold | - | ×0.1 | ±5% |
Silver | - | ×0.01 | ±10% |
How to Read Capacitor Color Codes
3-Band Capacitors:
• 1st & 2nd bands = significant digits
• 3rd band = multiplier
• No tolerance band = ±20%
4-Band Capacitors:
• 1st & 2nd bands = significant digits
• 3rd band = multiplier
• 4th band = tolerance
5-Band Capacitors:
• 1st, 2nd & 3rd bands = significant digits
• 4th band = multiplier
• 5th band = tolerance
Common Capacitor Values
Standard Values:
• 1 pF, 2.2 pF, 4.7 pF, 10 pF
• 22 pF, 47 pF, 100 pF, 220 pF
• 470 pF, 1 nF, 2.2 nF, 4.7 nF
• 10 nF, 22 nF, 47 nF, 100 nF
• 220 nF, 470 nF, 1 µF, 2.2 µF
• 4.7 µF, 10 µF, 22 µF, 47 µF
• 100 µF, 220 µF, 470 µF, 1000 µF
Important Notes
• Capacitor color codes follow the same basic principles as resistor color codes
• Results are given in picofarads (pF) as the base unit, with automatic conversion to nanofarads (nF) and microfarads (µF)
• Tolerance indicates the acceptable variation from the nominal value
• Some color combinations may not represent standard commercial values
• Always verify readings with component markings when available
• For safety-critical applications, use measurement tools to confirm values