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The Ultimate Guide to Capsule Size Chart

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Capsules are a common way to take medicine or supplements. They come in different sizes, and each size holds a different amount of powder or liquid.

Capsule-Volume-Chart
Capsule Volume Chart

Knowing what exactly the right capsule size is is very important for safety and comfort. Some are small and easy to swallow, while others are bigger for higher doses. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about capsule sizes.

What Is Capsule Size?

Capsule size is the number or label used to show how big or small a capsule is. Capsules are small containers made to hold powders, liquids, or medicines. They are often made from gelatin or other plant-based materials and are used for easy swallowing. The sizes are given as numbers like 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Size 000 is the largest, and size 5 is the smallest.

Each size can hold a different amount of filling, measured in milligrams or milliliters, depending on the material inside. Capsule size helps people know how much a capsule can carry. The shape and length also change with the size, and each one has a standard weight and volume. Capsule sizes are used in both medicine and health supplements.

Importance of Capsule Sizes

The size of a capsule is very important because it affects how easy it is to swallow and how much material it can hold. Some people, especially children or older people, may have trouble swallowing large capsules. If the capsule is too big, it can cause discomfort or even be unsafe.

On the other hand, if the capsule is too small, it may not be able to hold the full dose of the medicine or supplement. This is why choosing the right size matters for both comfort and proper dosage.

For example, someone use capsule filler making their own herbal supplements at home needs to pick a capsule that fits the amount of powder they want to use. If they need to take 500 mg of a herb, and the capsule they choose only holds 300 mg, they would have to take more than one capsule. This can be inconvenient and confusing.

So, the capsule size helps make sure that each dose is correct, easy to take, and suited to the person’s needs.

Main Capsule Sizes

Capsules come in different sizes to hold different amounts of medicine or powder. The size you choose depends on how much material you want to fill and how easy it is to swallow.

Size 000 Capsule

This is the biggest capsule. It holds the most powder but may be hard to swallow. It is often used for high-dose supplements.

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Capsule Size 000

Size 00E Capsule

This is an extra-long version of size 00. It has more space but is longer in shape. It is useful when you need more room without going to a wider capsule.

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Capsule Size 00E

Size 00 Capsule

Slightly smaller than 00E, this size is still large and used for bigger doses. It is commonly used in homemade supplements for adults.

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Capsule Size 00

Size 0E Capsule

This is a longer type of size 0. It holds more than a regular size 0 but is longer in length. It gives more space while still being fairly easy to swallow.

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Capsule Size 0E

Size 0 Capsule

A popular choice that balances space and ease of swallowing. Many supplements use this size. It is widely used in both health and medicine.

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Capsule Size 0

Sizes 1 to 3 Capsule

These are smaller capsules. They are used for lighter doses and easier swallowing. Many over-the-counter medicines come in these sizes.

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Capsule Size 1, 2, 3

Sizes 4 and 5 Capsule

These are the smallest. They are best for kids, pets, or tiny amounts of medicine. Because they are so small, they are easy to take but hold very little.

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Capsule Size 4, 5

Capsule Size Chart

Capsule Size Gelatin Weight (mg) Veg Capsule Weight (mg) Volume (ml) Empty Capsule Weight Capacity by Formulation Density (mg) Closed Length(mm / inches) Cap Length(mm / in) Body Length (mm / in) Body Diameter(mm / in)
000 158 ±10 163 ±10 1.37 822 / 1096 / 1370 / 1644 26.1 / 1.029 12.95 / 0.510 22.20 / 0.879 9.55 / 0.376
00E 143 ±10 152 ±10 1 600 / 800 / 1000 / 1200 25.3 / 0.996 12.95 / 0.510 22.20 / 0.879 8.25 / 0.322
00 123 ±7 136 ±7 0.9 540 / 720 / 900 / 1080 23.4 / 0.921 11.80 / 0.464 20.22 / 0.79 8.23 / 0.322
0E 107 ±7 107 ±7 0.78 468 / 624 / 780 / 936 23.5 / 0.909 11.68 / 0.460 20.19 / 0.795 7.36 / 0.289
0 99 ±6 105 ±6 0.68 408 / 544 / 680 / 816 21.6 / 0.850 10.85 / 0.427 18.35 / 0.722 7.35 / 0.289
1 78 ±5 79 ±5 0.48 288 / 384 / 480 / 576 19.4 / 0.764 9.85 / 0.388 16.40 / 0.645 6.63 / 0.261
2 61 ±4 63 ±4 0.36 216 / 288 / 360 / 432 17.6 / 0.693 8.80 / 0.346 15.15 / 0.596 6.12 / 0.241
3 48 ±3 50 ±3 0.27 162 / 216 / 270 / 324 15.7 / 0.618 8.00 / 0.315 13.45 / 0.529 5.60 / 0.220
4 38 ±3 40 ±3 0.2 120 / 160 / 200 / 240 14.3 / 0.563 7.20 / 0.283 12.10 / 0.476 5.08 / 0.200
5 28 ±2 30 ±2 0.13 78 / 104 / 130 / 156 11.1 / 0.437 6.20 / 0.244 9.30 / 0.366 4.68 / 0.184

How to Read the Capsule Size Chart

To read the capsule size chart, start by looking at the capsule size number in the first column. Then check the volume, weight, and length to understand how much it can hold and how big it is. Use the density values to estimate how much powder or medicine each capsule can carry based on its size.

FAQs

Which Is Bigger, 0 or 00 Capsules?

Size 00 is bigger than size 0. It can hold more powder and is also longer and wider. Size 0 is smaller and easier to swallow for many people. So, if you want a smaller capsule, choose size 0.

How Do I Choose a Capsule Size?

You should choose a size based on how much filling you need and how easy it is to swallow. Smaller sizes are better for light doses or children. Larger sizes work for more powder but may be harder to swallow. Always match the size to your needs.

What Is the Most Commonly Used Capsule Size?

The most used capsule size is size 0. It offers a good balance, with enough space for the powder, and is still easy to swallow. Many supplement makers and pharmacies prefer this size. It works well for both personal use and commercial products.

How Should I Store Empty and Filled Capsules?

  • Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

  • Avoid extreme humidity, which can make gelatin capsules sticky and cause them to lose their shape.

  • Avoid extreme dryness, which can make gelatin capsules brittle and cause them to crack.

  • Keep them out of direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of all the capsule sizes, you can choose the right one based on how much it holds and how easy it is to swallow. This will help you use capsules safely, comfortably, and in the right way for your needs.

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Picture of Hey there, I’m Tony Tao

Hey there, I’m Tony Tao

I am the CEO of Finetech, with more than 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical equipment industry. I hope to use my expertise to help more people who want to import pharmaceutical processing equipment from China.

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