The 0603 and 0805 case sizes represent the workhorse formats of the MLCC world. Together they account for the majority of multilayer ceramic capacitor placements across consumer electronics, industrial controls, telecommunications, and automotive systems. Understanding how to navigate the capacitance, voltage, and dielectric options within these two case sizes is fundamental to efficient MLCC sourcing and procurement.
The 0603 case size measures 1.6mm x 0.8mm (1608 metric), while the 0805 case size measures 2.0mm x 1.25mm (2012 metric). The 0805 footprint is approximately 1.9 times larger than 0603, but this additional area translates into significantly higher maximum capacitance values and better voltage handling capability. The choice between the two depends on the application requirements for capacitance, voltage, board space, and parasitic characteristics.
In practice, 0603 is preferred for high-density designs where board space is at a premium, such as smartphones, wearables, and IoT modules. The 0805 case size is favored for power supply decoupling, industrial electronics, and applications where higher capacitance or voltage ratings are needed without moving to 1206. Both case sizes are available from all major MLCC brands, making them the easiest to source through MLCC procurement channels.
The dielectric material determines the electrical characteristics of the MLCC. In 0603 and 0805 case sizes, four dielectric types are commonly sourced:
C0G is a Class I dielectric with zero temperature coefficient (0 plus or minus 30 ppm/degree C from -55C to +125C). In 0603, C0G MLCCs typically range from 0.1pF to 220nF, with voltage ratings from 16V to 100V. In 0805, C0G extends to about 1nF to 470nF at similar voltage ratings. C0G parts exhibit no DC bias derating and no aging, making them ideal for RF matching networks, oscillator circuits, filters, and precision timing applications. C0G NP0 MLCC products are essential for any design requiring capacitance stability.
X5R is a Class II dielectric rated for -55C to +85C with capacitance variation within plus or minus 15%. In 0805, X5R MLCCs can achieve capacitance values up to 22uF at 6.3V to 25V. X5R offers high capacitance density and is the most commonly sourced dielectric for power supply decoupling in consumer and computing applications where the operating temperature stays below 85C.
X6S extends the temperature range to -55C to +105C while maintaining similar capacitance density to X5R. In 0805, X6S parts are available up to 10uF to 22uF at 6.3V to 25V. X6S is increasingly preferred for applications that may experience ambient temperatures above 85C, such as industrial equipment and server power supplies.
X7R covers -55C to +125C with plus or minus 15% variation. It offers slightly lower capacitance density than X5R and X6S but provides better high-temperature performance. In 0805, X7R parts typically range up to 10uF at 25V to 50V. X7R is a versatile choice for general-purpose decoupling across a wide temperature range.
Voltage rating selection is not simply about meeting the minimum requirement. For Class II dielectrics, the effective capacitance under DC bias depends on the ratio of operating voltage to rated voltage. A 10uF, 6.3V X5R MLCC operated at 3.3V may lose 50% or more of its nominal capacitance, while a 10uF, 25V X5R part operated at the same 3.3V may retain 70% or more of nominal capacitance.
For designs requiring predictable effective capacitance, selecting a voltage rating at least 2 to 3 times the operating voltage is a common guideline. However, higher voltage parts in the same case size may have lower maximum capacitance values. The sourcing strategy should balance voltage derating margin against capacitance requirements:
| Case Size | Dielectric | Capacitance Range | Voltage Range | Temp Range | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0603 | C0G (NP0) | 0.1pF to 220nF | 16V to 100V | -55C to +125C | RF, timing, filters |
| 0603 | X5R | 1nF to 22uF | 6.3V to 50V | -55C to +85C | Consumer decoupling |
| 0603 | X7R | 1nF to 10uF | 10V to 100V | -55C to +125C | General purpose |
| 0805 | C0G (NP0) | 0.1pF to 470nF | 16V to 100V | -55C to +125C | RF, precision analog |
| 0805 | X5R / X6S | 1nF to 22uF | 6.3V to 50V | -55C to +85/105C | Power decoupling |
| 0805 | X7R | 1nF to 10uF | 10V to 100V | -55C to +125C | Industrial, automotive |
| Application | Case Size | Dielectric | Typical Capacitance | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RF matching network | 0603 | C0G | 1nF | 50V to 100V |
| Oscillator load capacitor | 0603 | C0G | 10pF to 22pF | 50V |
| Power rail decoupling | 0805 | X5R / X6S | 0.1uF, 10uF | 10V to 25V |
| Signal coupling | 0603 | X7R | 0.1uF | 25V to 50V |
| EMI filter | 0805 | X7R | 0.1uF to 1uF | 25V to 50V |
| IC power bypass | 0805 | X5R / X6S | 10uF | 6.3V to 25V |
The following 0603 and 0805 MLCC part numbers are available for sourcing inquiry. Click any part number to view detailed specifications:
For more options, browse the Murata, Samsung SEMCO, TDK, YAGEO, and Walsin brand pages, or upload your BOM for batch sourcing.
Submit your requirements through the MLCC RFQ form or use the cross-reference tool to find equivalent 0603 and 0805 parts across brands.
A: Not without board redesign. The 0603 and 0805 footprints are different sizes and are not pin-compatible. Even if the same capacitance and voltage are available in both case sizes, the PCB land pattern must match the component footprint. Always confirm the case size specified in the design documentation before sourcing.
A: Higher voltage ratings require thicker dielectric layers, which reduces the number of layers that fit in a given case size and thus lowers the maximum achievable capacitance. A 10uF 0805 MLCC may be available at 6.3V, 10V, and 25V, but the 25V version may have different DC bias characteristics and effective capacitance than the 6.3V version. Select the voltage rating based on operating voltage plus derating margin.
A: Yes. The larger 0805 case size allows more dielectric layers, enabling higher maximum capacitance values in C0G compared to 0603. Typically, 0603 C0G reaches about 220nF maximum, while 0805 C0G can reach about 470nF. For capacitance values above 470nF with C0G stability, larger case sizes like 1206 are required.
A: Use the MLCC cross-reference tool by entering a competitor part number. Match case size, capacitance, tolerance, voltage rating, and dielectric type. Minor differences in DC bias behavior and temperature characteristics may exist between brands, so verify critical parameters through datasheets or RFQ confirmation.
A: X5R is rated to 85C and X6S is rated to 105C. Both offer similar capacitance density in 0805. X6S is preferred for applications that may see elevated ambient temperatures, while X5R may be more readily available and cost-effective for consumer applications operating below 85C. Request RFQ for current availability of both dielectric options.
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