The nominal capacitance of fixed capacitors expressed in picofarads (pF) has a tolerance of 10 percent. It is identified by a three-digit number. The first two digits represent significant figures. The last digit specifies the number of zeros to follow.

When the value for nominal capacitance is less than 10 pF, the letter “R” indicates the decimal point. The subsequent digits then represent the significant figures. For example:

For CE, CL, CLR, CM, and CMR capacitors, the above information is true with the exception of the units. For these capacitors only, capacitance is expressed in microfarads (uF).

For CT capacitors, a three-digit number identifies the nominal maximum capacitance value expressed in picofarads (pF). For values of 1 to 9 pF inclusive, the first two digits are zeros. For values of 10 uF to 99 pF inclusive, the first digit is zero.