104 capacitor: 100 nF (0.1 µF)
A capacitor marked 104 has a capacitance of 100 nF. The first two digits (10) are the value in picofarads and the last digit (4) is the number of zeros to add.
104 in every unit
| Picofarads | 100,000 pF |
|---|---|
| Nanofarads | 100 nF |
| Microfarads | 0.1 µF |
| Farads | 1.0 × 10^-7 |
How to read 104
- Take the first two digits: 10.
- Add 4 zeros: 100,000 pF.
- Convert: 100,000 pF ÷ 1,000 = 100 nF; ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.1 µF.
With tolerance and voltage letters
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
104J | 100 nF, ±5% |
104K | 100 nF, ±10% |
104M | 100 nF, ±20% |
1H104K | 50 V, 100 nF, ±10% |
2A104J | 100 V, 100 nF, ±5% |
Typical uses
The 104 (100 nF / 0.1 µF) ceramic is the most used capacitor in electronics: one sits next to the power pin of almost every IC to decouple supply noise. It is also used with a 10 kΩ resistor to debounce push buttons.
Reactance at 50 Hz–10 MHz, RC time constants and how 100 nF is marked in other notations: 100 nF capacitor reference.
Related codes
FAQ
What is the value of a 104 capacitor?
100 nF (0.1 µF): 10 × 10^4 pF = 100,000 pF.
What does 104J, 104K or 104M mean?
The letter is the tolerance: J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20%. The value is still 100 nF.
Can I replace a 104 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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