Capacitor converter

Convert between the units used on old schematics and modern replacement parts, or decode a common three-digit capacitor marking.

Value to convert

Example: enter 5000 and choose pF to see that it equals 5 nF or 0.005 µF.

picofarads (pF)5,000 pF

nanofarads (nF)5 nF

microfarads (µF)0.005 µF

millifarads (mF)5.00000e-6 mF

farads (F)5.00000e-9 F

Three-digit marking

Decode a capacitor code

Enter three digits, such as 103 or 104

The first two digits are significant figures. The third digit is the number of zeros, with the result expressed in pF.

picofarads100,000 pF

nanofarads100 nF

microfarads0.1 µF

A note about vintage markings

Older schematics may use mmF or µµF. Both mean picofarads (pF). A value shown as .05 MFD is 0.05 µF, which is 50 nF or 50,000 pF.

Bench safety: Vintage equipment can retain lethal voltage even after it is unplugged. Discharge filter capacitors, use an isolation transformer where appropriate, and stop if you are uncertain.