Please enter a valid capacitance value greater than zero.
Formulas & Mathematical Logic
Preferred E-series values are calculated based on geometric progression algorithms.
Series value base: V_n = 10^(n / E_Series) (where n is the integer slot, E_Series is 12 or 24)
Logarithmic tolerance step: E12 represents ±10% tolerance; E24 represents ±5% tolerance bounds.
By using this geometric formula, standard values overlap perfectly with their respective tolerance margins, eliminating empty manufacturing gaps.
About This Calculator
Instantly verify preferred standard capacitance values and check available DC voltages.
The CalcBoy Standard Capacitor Value and Voltage Tool maps component sizes against the international E-series standards.
In electronic circuit design, choosing the correct capacitor is critical to ensure stable power delivery, filter out high-frequency noise, and set timing cycles. However, you cannot purchase a capacitor of just any random value. Component manufacturers produce capacitors according to standardized logarithmic series of preferred numbers, known as the E-series (most commonly E12 and E24, as defined by the IEC 60063 standard).
Sizing non-standard values in a circuit can lead to high sourcing costs, long shipping delays, or requiring bulky parallel/series clusters to achieve the target rating. To keep systems cost-efficient and easy to source, designers must use standard values like 1.0, 1.5, 2.2, 3.3, 4.7, or 6.8 as baseline multipliers.
Additionally, capacitors have physical voltage boundaries. Electrolytic capacitors can easily handle large capacitance scales but are limited to lower voltage ranges (e.g. up to 450V), whereas ceramic or metal film capacitors can easily withstand 1,000V or more but are restricted to smaller picofarad or nanofarad capacities.
This interactive calculator simplifies component checks. Users can enter any custom value and unit to instantly verify if it is a standard E12 or E24 value, identify its nearest standard equivalent, and check available direct current (DC) working voltages across common materials.
Main BenefitSaves time by automatically checking values against standard E12 and E24 tables.
Series CheckedCompares values against standard IEC 60063 E12 (±10%) and E24 (±5%) preferred limits.
Voltage SafetyHighlights standard available DC voltages for Ceramic, Electrolytic, Tantalum, and Mylar.
Key RuleAlways pick the nearest larger standard value if a non-standard value is not critical.
Note: Real-world capacitor selections must also account for temperature coefficients (such as X7R, C0G/NPO) and equivalent series resistance (ESR) in high-frequency applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the standard E12 preferred series?
The E12 series is a standard list of 12 preferred base values per decade (1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.2, 2.7, 3.3, 3.9, 4.7, 5.6, 6.8, 8.2) designed to cover components with a ±10% tolerance margin perfectly.
2. Why do capacitors have specific voltage ratings?
A capacitor's voltage rating is the maximum safe continuous DC voltage its dielectric layer can withstand. Exceeding this rating can cause dielectric breakdown, shorting the component and destroying the circuit.
3. Are standard electrolytic and ceramic voltages identical?
No. Electrolytic capacitors commonly operate under lower voltage ranges (e.g. 10V to 450V) but offer high capacitance. Ceramic capacitors operate at much higher limits (up to 1000V or more) but are restricted to smaller pF or nF values.
4. What happens if I use a non-standard capacitor value?
Using non-standard values makes sourcing parts difficult and expensive. It is best to use the nearest standard E12 or E24 value, or build the target value using standard capacitors wired in series or parallel.
5. What does 'mylar' stand for in capacitor charts?
Mylar is a commercial brand name for polyester film. Mylar capacitors are known for their stable dielectric characteristics under high voltages and are common in audio and power supply filters.
6. How do you increase total capacitance on a board layout?
To increase capacitance, wire multiple capacitors in parallel ($C_{\text{total}} = C_1 + C_2$). Wiring them in series reduces overall capacitance but increases the safe operating voltage rating.