In the supported notation, a code abc represents the two-digit number ab multiplied by 10ᶜ picofarads. The unit is part of the rule: calculate pF first, then convert to nF or µF. CapCode accepts only three ASCII digits with a first digit 1–9 and multiplier 0–6.
Keep the first two digits together
For 473, the significand is 47, not 4 × 7. For 104, it is 10. A leading zero is outside this release because the first digit must be 1–9; the tool does not silently repair 004 or interpret another code family.
The third digit is a power of ten
The final 3 in 473 means ×10³, so 47 becomes 47000 pF. The final 4 in 104 means ×10⁴, so 10 becomes 100000 pF. This release supports multipliers 0–6 and rejects 7–9 rather than guessing special conventions.
Decode capacitance, not the whole component
A datasheet may place capacitance beside separate tolerance, voltage, dielectric, package, polarity, or date fields. The same three digits do not merge those properties. Record the exact capacitance, then consult the complete marking and current manufacturer documentation.