Capacitor Color Code Calculator
Decode capacitor values from color bands instantly
Capacitor Color Code Calculator
Compliant with IEC 60384 Standards
Results:
Capacitance: 0 pF
Tolerance: ±0%
Voltage Rating: N/A
Capacitance Range: 0 pF - 0 pF
How to Use Capacitor Color Code Calculator
3-Band Capacitors
- Select "3 Bands" from dropdown
- Choose 1st band color (1st digit)
- Choose 2nd band color (2nd digit)
- Choose 3rd band color (multiplier)
- Click "Calculate" to get capacitance value
4-Band Capacitors
- Select "4 Bands" from dropdown
- Choose first three bands as above
- Choose 4th band color (tolerance)
- View capacitance with tolerance range
- Check visual representation
5-Band Capacitors
- Select "5 Bands" from dropdown
- Choose first four bands as above
- Choose 5th band (voltage rating)
- Get complete capacitor specifications
- Use for precision applications
How to Calculate Capacitor Color Code
Reading Color Bands
Capacitor color codes follow a systematic approach:
- 1st Band: First significant digit
- 2nd Band: Second significant digit
- 3rd Band: Multiplier (power of 10)
- 4th Band: Tolerance percentage
- 5th Band: Voltage rating (if present)
Color Values
- Black = 0, Brown = 1, Red = 2
- Orange = 3, Yellow = 4, Green = 5
- Blue = 6, Violet = 7, Grey = 8, White = 9
- Gold = ±5%, Silver = ±10%
Calculation Formula:
Capacitance (pF) = (1st Digit × 10 + 2nd Digit) × Multiplier
Tolerance Range = Capacitance ± (Capacitance × Tolerance%)
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
Real-Life Example
4-Band Capacitor: Red-Violet-Orange-Gold
Step 1: Identify Band Values
• 1st Band (Red) = 2
• 2nd Band (Violet) = 7
• 3rd Band (Orange) = ×1000
• 4th Band (Gold) = ±5%
Step 2: Calculate Base Value
• Combine digits: 27
• Apply multiplier: 27 × 1000 = 27,000 pF
Step 3: Calculate Tolerance Range
• Tolerance: 27,000 × 5% = ±1,350 pF
• Range: 25,650 pF to 28,350 pF
Final Result:
Capacitance: 27,000 pF (27 nF) ±5%
Basic Formula:
C = (D1 × 10 + D2) × M
Where:
C = Capacitance in pF
D1, D2 = First and second digits
M = Multiplier value