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Polyester Capacitor Color Code Calculator (DIN 44110 / Mylar)

Decode 5-band color codes on vintage and modern polyester (Mylar / Tropical Fish) capacitors into capacitance, tolerance, and DC working voltage.

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Band Coding Standard
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1st Digit
2nd Digit
Multiplier
Tolerance
Voltage
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Capacitance
-
Capacitor Tolerance
-
Rated DC Voltage
-
Marking Standard
-

Input Parameters Specification

Band Mode StandardSelect either a 4-Band or 5-Band system representing the printed lines on the polyester block body.
1st / 2nd Digit BandsRepresent the significant base figures of the nominal capacitance value, read top to bottom.
Multiplier BandMultiplies the primary figures exponentially in Picofarads (pF).
Tolerance / VoltageSpecifies allowable manufacturing variations (±%) and the maximum safe working DC voltage.

Practical Operational Examples

100nF 250V film capacitor (5-Band)

Decodes as Brown (1), Black (0), Yellow (x10,000 multiplier), Green (±5% tolerance), Red (250V working limit).

22nF Signal coupling (4-Band)

Decodes as Red (2), Red (2), Orange (x1,000 multiplier), and Red (250V working limit). Common in preamplifier stages.

47nF Mylar Capacitor

Yellow (4), Violet (7), Orange (x1,000 multiplier) with a trailing tolerance. Frequently used to filter noise spikes.

High-Voltage Damper

Uses 630V (Blue voltage band) to suppress AC grid line harmonics and absorb voltage transients safely.

Diagrams & Theory

Polyester film capacitors (often referred to as Mylar or "chiclet" capacitors) feature a dielectric layer made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film interleaved with metal foil electrodes.

Because their outer epoxy casing is rounded and smooth, color bands are printed horizontally. Read the bands starting from the very top of the capacitor body down towards the radial leads.

Formulas & Mathematical Logic

Capacitance Value: Capacitance (pF) = (Digit 1 × 10 + Digit 2) × Multiplier
Conversion Ratios: 1,000 pF = 1 nF | 1,000,000 pF = 1 µF

Step-by-Step Example

Example: 5-Band Film - Brown (1), Black (0), Orange (x1000), Green (±5%), Red (250V)
Step 1: Identify base digits from Band 1 & 2: Digit 1 = 1, Digit 2 = 0. Base number is 10.
Step 2: Multiply by multiplier in Band 3: 10 × 1,000 = 10,000 pF = 10 nF = 0.01 µF.
Step 3: Read tolerance (Band 4) = Green, which represents a ±5% variation allowance.
Step 4: Read DC rating (Band 5) = Red, which maps to a safe working ceiling of 250 Volts DC.

How to Use This Calculator

Select either 4-Band or 5-Band standard using the top sliding navigation panels.
Orient the chiclet capacitor with the colors reading top to bottom towards the lead pins.
Tap each button below to scroll the wheel selection and match the color markings.
Read the decoded rating, maximum operating voltage, and tolerance margins instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do polyester capacitors use color bands instead of printed numbers?

Printed text on thin polyester film is susceptible to smudging and degradation from heat during soldering. Color bands run entirely around the circumference, remaining readable from any angle.

2. What is the difference between Mylar and Polyester capacitors?

Mylar is a registered brand name for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. They refer to the same polyester dielectric structure, offering high insulation resistance.

3. How is the voltage band interpreted on 4-band components?

On 4-band Polyester capacitors, the fourth band indicates the working voltage instead of tolerance. It defaults to baseline low-voltage limits unless specified by the manufacturer.

4. Are polyester film capacitors polarized?

No, polyester film capacitors are non-polarized components. They can be connected in either direction inside AC or DC electrical circuit networks.

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Polyester Capacitor Color Code Calculator (DIN 44110 / Mylar) is a free online calculator tool. Use it to get instant, accurate results for your electronics calculations.