We recently launched our Mixed, Ceramic and Electrolytic Capacitor Kits and thought we'd create a little guide to explain how you can determine the values of the capacitors using the markings on them.

Ceramic Capacitors

These capacitors are usually very small in both size and capacitance and typically have a higher voltage rating. They're usually round or rectangular in shape and aren't polarised like electrolytic ones so you can connect them either way around.

You can calculate the value of the ceramic capacitors in our kit by markings on them. The first two digits indicate the value, the third digit is the number of 0's to add and the letter is the tolerance this then gives you the value of the capacitor in pF.

For example:

Electrolytic Capacitors

This type of capacitor is bigger in both size and value. They're cylindrical in shape and polarised so you'll need to ensure you place them the correct way around in your circuit. There's two ways to determine which side if positive and negative. There will usually be a white strip down the side of the capacitor which has the negative leg, just like an LED the longer leg also indicated the positive connector. Electrolytic capacitors will usually have both the capacitance and voltage ratings printed on them.