# GRM033C80E475ME05D why results in a lower capacitance measurement

**URL:** <https://forum.digikey.com/t/grm033c80e475me05d-why-results-in-a-lower-capacitance-measurement/71219>\
**Category:** Capacitors\
**Tags:** compliance, ceramic-capacitors, murata-electronics\
**Created:** [August 11, 2026, 9:37am UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/grm033c80e475me05d-why-results-in-a-lower-capacitance-measurement/71219 "2026-08-11T09:37:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![99973188](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/9/c37758/32.png) [@99973188](https://forum.digikey.com/u/99973188)\
**Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 9:37am UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/grm033c80e475me05d-why-results-in-a-lower-capacitance-measurement/71219/1 "2026-08-11T09:37:54Z")

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Recommended test condition 1 kHz, 500 mV per datasheet, results in a lower capacitance measurement

As per feedback from customer MQA team, the samples were found to be out of specification during capacitance value measurement as below;

Spec: 4.7uF +/- 20% (3.76 µF - 5.64 µF)

MQA Measurement Result: 3.106402 uF

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**Author:** ![Steven\_14444](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/user_avatar/forum.digikey.com/steven_14444/32/47465_2.png) [@Steven\_14444](https://forum.digikey.com/u/Steven_14444)\
**Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 1:26pm UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/grm033c80e475me05d-why-results-in-a-lower-capacitance-measurement/71219/2 "2026-08-11T13:26:36Z")

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I just want to clarify that the other part of the test for capacitance has been completed. The datasheet notes that the [GRM033C80E475ME05D](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/murata-electronics/GRM033C80E475ME05D/17865054) should be pre-heat treated.

![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/optimized/3X/9/2/92d61eb7aa5d2ccee9ddde516b7a4ef0d83ebad4_2_690x51.png)

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**Author:** ![David\_1528](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/user_avatar/forum.digikey.com/david_1528/32/47212_2.png) [@David\_1528](https://forum.digikey.com/u/David_1528)\
**Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 5:11pm UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/grm033c80e475me05d-why-results-in-a-lower-capacitance-measurement/71219/3 "2026-08-11T17:11:19Z")

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Also note, for clarification, that in addition to the pre-treatment requirement that @Steven_14444 has pointed out above, the test voltage is _ **0 VDC bias** _ plus 0.5 Vrms at 1kHz. It is not 0.5 VDC plus an AC voltage. Zero DC bias voltage should be applied for the test.

This is their test voltage → 0 VDC bias + 0.5 Vrms at 1kHz

 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/original/3X/0/f/0ff9d99f36198140f6b44f5c3f40e0bf88645862.png)

From the GRM033C80E475ME05 [product page on the Murata website](https://pim.murata.com/en-us/pim/details/?partNum=GRM033C80E475ME05%23):

 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/original/3X/9/a/9a67bfc7ab3d512a360c63f403e389c3e15c2b85.png)

Note how even a small DC voltage applied, or an AC voltage applied which is significantly more or less than 0.5 Vrms reduces the capacitance significantly. This is typical behavior for a tiny ceramic capacitor such as this 0201 capacitor rated for capacitances in the micro-Farad range.