Capacitor price varies widely by type, capacitance, voltage rating, and quantity; buyers typically pay from a few cents for commodity ceramics to $50+ for specialty, high-voltage film or supercapacitors. This article lists typical pricing ranges and the main cost drivers for the price of a capacitor so U.S. purchasers can budget and compare quotes quickly.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic (MLCC) 0.01–0.1µF | $0.02 | $0.05 | $0.50 | Standard 16V–50V, per unit, 1–1,000 qty |
| Electrolytic 10–470µF | $0.20 | $1.20 | $6.00 | 100µF, 16V–63V, axial/SMT |
| Film Capacitor 0.1µF–10µF | $0.80 | $4.00 | $25.00 | Polyester/polypropylene, up to 250VAC |
| Tantalum 1–100µF | $0.50 | $3.50 | $20.00 | Solid tantalum, 6.3V–50V |
| Supercapacitor (Farad range) | $4.00 | $18.00 | $120.00 | 1F–300F, low-voltage, per unit |
| High-Voltage Disc/Film | $5.00 | $45.00 | $250.00 | >1kV or custom specs |
Content Navigation
- How Much a Capacitor Costs By Type and Size
- Component-Level Pricing: Materials, Labor, Testing, Shipping, Overhead
- Capacitance, Voltage, Temperature Rating and Quantity That Drive Price
- Practical Ways To Lower Capacitor Purchase Price
- Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs and Totals
- Price Differences Between U.S. Regions and Online Suppliers
- Lead Times, Minimum Orders, Fees, and Other Buying Extras
How Much a Capacitor Costs By Type and Size
Prices depend primarily on capacitor family (ceramic, electrolytic, film, tantalum, supercap) and the electrical specs. Commodity MLCCs cost $0.02-$0.50 each in small to moderate quantities; common electrolytics run $0.20-$6.00 each; film and tantalum parts are typically $0.80-$25.00; supercapacitors and specialty HV film can reach $50-$250 per unit.
Assumptions: small-quantity orders (1–100 pcs), standard temp ratings (85°C), U.S. distributor pricing.
Component-Level Pricing: Materials, Labor, Testing, Shipping, Overhead
Supplier quotes break down into raw materials, assembly/test, and logistics; these are visible on higher-volume or custom orders.
| Materials | Labor | Testing | Shipping | Overhead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.01-$150.00 (dielectrics, electrodes, leads) | $0.00-$2.00 per unit () | $0.00-$10.00 (leakage, ESR, life test) | $0.50-$20.00 per order | 10%-40% of part price |
Capacitance, Voltage, Temperature Rating and Quantity That Drive Price
Key numeric thresholds change price significantly: capacitance under 1µF vs 1–100µF vs >1,000µF, voltage tiers at 16V/50V/250V/1kV, and temperature ratings 85°C vs 125°C. For example, a 0.1µF 50V MLCC is ~$0.03-$0.20, a 100µF 16V electrolytic is ~$0.30-$3.00, while a 10F 2.7V supercap is $5-$40. Quantity matters: single-unit hobby buys cost 2x-10x the 1k+ reel pricing.
Assumptions: typical ESR needs, no exotic tolerances; quantity tiers: 1–10, 100–500, 1,000+.
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Practical Ways To Lower Capacitor Purchase Price
Buy common values in bulk, accept wider tolerances, and choose standard temperature and packaging to cut unit price. Other tactics: consolidate part numbers, switch film to polyester from polypropylene when safe, choose ceramic over tantalum when performance allows, and negotiate lead times for better pricing. Avoid custom voltage or custom housings unless necessary.
Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs and Totals
Sample quotes show how specs and quantity change total and per-unit pricing.
| Scenario | Specs | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby board | Electrolytic 100µF 25V, radial | 5 | $1.50-$2.50 | $7.50-$12.50 |
| Production run | MLCC 0.01µF 50V X7R, 0805 | 5,000 | $0.01-$0.03 | $50-$150 |
| Power supply | Film 1µF 400V polypropylene | 200 | $2.50-$6.00 | $500-$1,200 |
Price Differences Between U.S. Regions and Online Suppliers
Online distributors and large U.S. warehouses often offer the lowest per-unit prices, while local small suppliers add 10%-40% for inventory and faster pickup. Expect 0%-20% higher for coastal metro sourcing due to higher overhead; rural/small-town vendors may add 5%-25% for small orders. Cross-border components (Asia) can be 5%-50% cheaper on bulk but add lead time and possible duty.
Assumptions: domestic shipping within contiguous U.S.; excludes import tariffs for specialty parts.
Lead Times, Minimum Orders, Fees, and Other Buying Extras
Lead time and minimum order quantities (MOQs) materially affect cost per unit; expedited shipping and testing add fees. Typical MOQs: MLCCs often sold by 1,000-reel or 100-piece packs for best prices; electrolytics and film caps commonly sold per unit or in small packs. Expedited testing or custom screening adds $0.10-$10.00 per unit depending on depth.
Assumptions: expedited = 1–3 day turn; standard = 1–4 weeks for custom or bulk orders.
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Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.