103 capacitor: 10 nF (0.01 µF)
A capacitor marked 103 has a capacitance of 10 nF. The first two digits (10) are the value in picofarads and the last digit (3) is the number of zeros to add.
103 in every unit
| Picofarads | 10,000 pF |
|---|---|
| Nanofarads | 10 nF |
| Microfarads | 0.01 µF |
| Farads | 1.0 × 10^-8 |
How to read 103
- Take the first two digits: 10.
- Add 3 zeros: 10,000 pF.
- Convert: 10,000 pF ÷ 1,000 = 10 nF; ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.01 µF.
With tolerance and voltage letters
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
103J | 10 nF, ±5% |
103K | 10 nF, ±10% |
103M | 10 nF, ±20% |
1H103K | 50 V, 10 nF, ±10% |
2A103J | 100 V, 10 nF, ±5% |
Typical uses
10 nF is a common value for the control-voltage pin of a 555 timer, for RC filters and for extra high-frequency decoupling next to a 100 nF capacitor.
Reactance at 50 Hz–10 MHz, RC time constants and how 10 nF is marked in other notations: 10 nF capacitor reference.
Related codes
FAQ
What is the value of a 103 capacitor?
10 nF (0.01 µF): 10 × 10^3 pF = 10,000 pF.
What does 103J, 103K or 103M mean?
The letter is the tolerance: J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%. The value is still 10 nF.
Can I replace a 103 capacitor with a different type?
Usually, if the capacitance, voltage rating and temperature characteristic are at least as good. Check the rated voltage, and remember ceramic capacitors lose capacitance at high DC voltage.
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