Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors: SMD & Leaded
Multilayer ceramic capacitors for surface-mount and through-hole designs
A multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) contains alternating ceramic dielectric and electrode layers forming a non-polarized capacitor. This collection covers SMD chip MLCCs, selected 0402, 0603, 0805, 1206, 1210 and 1812 footprints, and leaded monolithic multilayer ceramic capacitors and mixed-value boxes. Values listed across the products range from pF choices through selected µF options, but the actual dielectric, voltage, tolerance and quantity depend on the individual variant. A through-hole part marked P=5.08 mm or 2.54 mm is not interchangeable in mounting with a chip capacitor of the same capacitance.
Identify the construction and dielectric
- SMD chip MLCCs: C0G/NP0 variants include selected pF and nF parts, with some high-voltage 1206 choices explicitly labeled up to 3 kV. Other options are X7R or X5R Class 2 ceramics in selected nF and µF values, including 0402/0805 100 nF, 0603 10 µF, 0805 22 µF, 1206 1–100 µF, and 1812 220 nF examples. Each voltage/value combination must be read on its own variant, not extrapolated from a headline.
- Leaded monolithic ceramics: selected 50 V single values and assortment kits identify pin spacing such as 2.54 mm or 5.08 mm. Check lead pitch, body clearance, selected capacitance and actual dielectric; a kit spanning 10 pF–10 µF does not give every included capacitor the same stability or tolerance.
- Reels, bags and sample books: selected listings offer 20/50/100 pieces, larger reels or mixed assortments. Confirm selected case and pack contents, since package quantity and electrical rating may be represented as separate options.
Selection workflow
- Start with mounting: choose actual SMD pad footprint or radial through-hole spacing. 0402 and 0603 imperial are not the same as 0402 and 0603 metric. For example 0402 imperial is about 1.0 × 0.5 mm (1005 metric); 0603 imperial about 1.6 × 0.8 mm (1608 metric); 0805 imperial about 2.0 × 1.25 mm (2012 metric); 1206 imperial about 3.2 × 1.6 mm (3216 metric). Confirm physical dimensions and thickness with the chosen part.
- Set capacitance and acceptable tolerance. Under conventional three-digit pF coding, 101 = 100 pF, 102 = 1 nF, 103 = 10 nF, 104 = 100 nF, 105 = 1 µF and 106 = 10 µF; code alone does not state dielectric or voltage. J and K commonly indicate ±5% and ±10% respectively where used as tolerance suffixes.
- Select dielectric based on circuit behavior. C0G/NP0 is a Class 1 low-temperature-drift category, whereas X7R and X5R are Class 2 and can lose effective capacitance under DC bias and change with temperature and aging. X7R and X5R have different temperature limits. Confirm unusually high nominal µF values or a seller's high-capacitance “C0G” claim using a documented manufacturer part number.
- Compare actual working bias, per-variant rated voltage and derating; check impedance, ESR, loss, pulse and self-resonance for frequency- or energy-sensitive circuits using the part data. A high DC voltage number is not a certified X/Y mains-safety rating. Do not infer automotive approval or original manufacturer sourcing from a seller's keyword.
- Match individual kit contents, packaging quantity and documentation to the bill of materials. Replacing a leaded ceramic with an SMD part also requires a suitable board design, not merely matching capacitance.
Procurement checklist
- Mounting type, SMD case or lead pitch, body size and board clearance
- Selected capacitance, tolerance, dielectric and effective DC-bias value
- Per-option rated voltage, temperature range and circuit-specific losses
- Traceable manufacturer specification and selected pack or kit quantity
Frequently asked questions
Is a monolithic capacitor always surface mount?
No. This page includes both chip MLCCs and leaded monolithic ceramics. The latter need compatible lead holes and pitch.
Do 104 C0G and 104 X7R mean the same thing?
Both use 104 for nominal 100 nF under standard coding, but the dielectric and capacitance behavior differ. Check the actual variant and manufacturer data.
Can a 50 V MLCC be used for mains interference suppression?
Not from that rating. Mains-connected X/Y applications require the appropriate approved safety class and AC documentation for the individual part.
Does a 50 V kit mean all its components have identical dielectric and tolerance?
No. Verify each supplied value, rating and material before treating it as a qualified substitution.
