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Buyer guide

Empty capsule size chart: 000 to 4

Volume, dimensions and fill weight for standard two-piece hard capsules, to help you choose the right size before requesting a bulk quote.

Capsule dimensions and volume

Typical dimensions of standard two-piece hard capsules
Size Volume (mL) Closed length (mm) Cap diameter (mm) Body diameter (mm)
000 1.37 26.1 9.91 9.55
00 0.91 23.3 8.53 8.18
0 0.68 21.7 7.65 7.34
1 0.50 19.4 6.91 6.63
2 0.37 18.0 6.35 6.07
3 0.30 15.9 5.82 5.57
4 0.21 14.3 5.31 5.05

Fill weight by powder density

Approximate fill weight in milligrams = capsule volume × tapped density of your powder. Real fill weights also depend on flow, compaction and your filling machine.

Approximate fill weight (mg) at common powder densities
Size 0.6 g/mL 0.8 g/mL 1.0 g/mL 1.2 g/mL
000 822 1,096 1,370 1,644
00 546 728 910 1,092
0 408 544 680 816
1 300 400 500 600
2 222 296 370 444
3 180 240 300 360
4 126 168 210 252

How to choose a size

  1. Measure the tapped density of your blend (g/mL).
  2. Divide your target fill weight by the density to get the volume you need. Example: 500 mg ÷ 0.6 g/mL ≈ 0.83 mL.
  3. Choose the smallest size with enough volume. In the example, size 00 (0.91 mL) fits; size 0 (0.68 mL) does not.
  4. Consider swallowability for your end users and the change parts available for your filling machine.

Sizes we supply

  • Gelatin capsules (Halal certified): 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
  • HPMC capsules: 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Enteric coated capsules: 00, 0, 1, 2, 3

Values above are typical industry figures for standard capsules. Exact dimensions and tolerances for the capsules we supply are given on the product specification sheet sent with your quote.

Know your size? Tell us the capsule type, colour and quantity and we will reply with bulk pricing and availability.

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