Empty hard gelatin capsules are made in eight standard sizes, from 000, the largest, down to 5, the smallest. This page holds the complete technical specification for every size: closed length, cap and body length, cap and body outer diameter, cap and body overlap, nominal volume, empty shell weight, fill weight at six bulk densities, and the number of capsules per kilogram.
Capsule size explorer
Select a size. The capsule is drawn to scale against every other size, with each dimension marked.
Fill weight is volume multiplied by bulk density. Actual fill depends on tapped density, powder flow and your filling equipment.
All sizes to scale
Every standard size drawn at true relative proportion. Size 000 is roughly two and a half times the volume of size 0, and more than ten times the volume of size 5.
Dimensions
All figures in millimetres unless stated. Closed length is measured with the capsule locked. Cap and body lengths are the individual shell lengths, which overlap when the capsule is closed.
| Size | Closed length mm |
Closed length inches |
Cap length mm |
Body length mm |
Cap outer dia mm |
Body outer dia mm |
Cap/body overlap mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | 26.1 | 1.028 | 12.95 | 22.20 | 9.91 | 9.55 | 9.05 |
| 00 | 23.4 | 0.921 | 11.80 | 20.22 | 8.56 | 8.23 | 8.62 |
| 0 | 21.6 | 0.850 | 10.85 | 18.35 | 7.64 | 7.35 | 7.60 |
| 1 | 19.4 | 0.764 | 9.85 | 16.40 | 6.96 | 6.63 | 6.85 |
| 2 | 17.6 | 0.693 | 8.80 | 15.15 | 6.39 | 6.12 | 6.35 |
| 3 | 15.7 | 0.618 | 8.00 | 13.45 | 5.85 | 5.60 | 5.75 |
| 4 | 14.3 | 0.563 | 7.20 | 12.10 | 5.33 | 5.08 | 5.00 |
| 5 | 11.1 | 0.437 | 6.20 | 9.30 | 4.91 | 4.68 | 4.40 |
Volume and fill weight
A capsule is specified by the volume it holds, not the weight. The same size holds very different doses depending on the bulk density of your blend, which is why density should be measured before a size is chosen.
| Size | Volume mL |
0.5 g/mL |
0.6 g/mL |
0.8 g/mL |
1.0 g/mL |
1.2 g/mL |
1.4 g/mL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | 1.37 | 685 | 822 | 1,096 | 1,370 | 1,644 | 1,918 |
| 00 | 0.90 | 450 | 540 | 720 | 900 | 1,080 | 1,260 |
| 0 | 0.68 | 340 | 408 | 544 | 680 | 816 | 952 |
| 1 | 0.48 | 240 | 288 | 384 | 480 | 576 | 672 |
| 2 | 0.36 | 180 | 216 | 288 | 360 | 432 | 504 |
| 3 | 0.27 | 135 | 162 | 216 | 270 | 324 | 378 |
| 4 | 0.20 | 100 | 120 | 160 | 200 | 240 | 280 |
| 5 | 0.13 | 65 | 78 | 104 | 130 | 156 | 182 |
Figures assume the capsule is filled to nominal volume. In practice aim for about 90 percent of volume so the blend settles and the cap seats cleanly on an automatic line.
Weights and packing quantities
Useful when converting between order units, costing a run, or planning storage space.
| Size | Empty weight mg |
Weight tolerance mg |
Capsules per kg | Weight per 100,000 kg |
Typical capsules per carton |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | 158 | ±7% | 6,329 | 15.8 | 50,000 |
| 00 | 123 | ±7% | 8,130 | 12.3 | 75,000 |
| 0 | 99 | ±7% | 10,101 | 9.9 | 100,000 |
| 1 | 78 | ±7% | 12,821 | 7.8 | 125,000 |
| 2 | 61 | ±7% | 16,393 | 6.1 | 175,000 |
| 3 | 48 | ±7% | 20,833 | 4.8 | 200,000 |
| 4 | 38 | ±7% | 26,316 | 3.8 | 250,000 |
| 5 | 28 | ±7% | 35,714 | 2.8 | 350,000 |
Carton quantities are typical for the industry and vary with packing specification. Confirm the quantity for your order at quotation.
Every size, stated in full
The same data as the tables above, written out so each size can be read, quoted or cited on its own without needing the surrounding table.
Size 000 capsule specification
A size 000 empty hard gelatin capsule has an overall closed length of 26.1 mm (1.028 inches), an external cap diameter of 9.91 mm and an external body diameter of 9.55 mm. The cap measures 12.95 mm and the body 22.20 mm, overlapping by 9.05 mm when the capsule is closed.
A size 000 capsule has a nominal volume of 1.37 mL and an empty shell weight of approximately 158 mg. At a powder bulk density of 0.8 g/mL it holds approximately 1,096 mg of fill, and at 1.0 g/mL approximately 1,370 mg. There are approximately 6,329 size 000 empty capsules per kilogram. Size 000 is available on request.
Size 00 capsule specification
A size 00 empty hard gelatin capsule has an overall closed length of 23.4 mm (0.921 inches), an external cap diameter of 8.56 mm and an external body diameter of 8.23 mm. The cap measures 11.80 mm and the body 20.22 mm, overlapping by 8.62 mm when the capsule is closed.
A size 00 capsule has a nominal volume of 0.90 mL and an empty shell weight of approximately 123 mg. At a powder bulk density of 0.8 g/mL it holds approximately 720 mg of fill, and at 1.0 g/mL approximately 900 mg. There are approximately 8,130 size 00 empty capsules per kilogram. Size 00 is available on request.
Size 0 capsule specification
A size 0 empty hard gelatin capsule has an overall closed length of 21.6 mm (0.850 inches), an external cap diameter of 7.64 mm and an external body diameter of 7.35 mm. The cap measures 10.85 mm and the body 18.35 mm, overlapping by 7.60 mm when the capsule is closed.
A size 0 capsule has a nominal volume of 0.68 mL and an empty shell weight of approximately 99 mg. At a powder bulk density of 0.8 g/mL it holds approximately 544 mg of fill, and at 1.0 g/mL approximately 680 mg. There are approximately 10,101 size 0 empty capsules per kilogram. Size 0 is currently in production at Universe Capsules.
Size 1 capsule specification
A size 1 empty hard gelatin capsule has an overall closed length of 19.4 mm (0.764 inches), an external cap diameter of 6.96 mm and an external body diameter of 6.63 mm. The cap measures 9.85 mm and the body 16.40 mm, overlapping by 6.85 mm when the capsule is closed.
A size 1 capsule has a nominal volume of 0.48 mL and an empty shell weight of approximately 78 mg. At a powder bulk density of 0.8 g/mL it holds approximately 384 mg of fill, and at 1.0 g/mL approximately 480 mg. There are approximately 12,821 size 1 empty capsules per kilogram. Size 1 is available on request.
Size 2 capsule specification
A size 2 empty hard gelatin capsule has an overall closed length of 17.6 mm (0.693 inches), an external cap diameter of 6.39 mm and an external body diameter of 6.12 mm. The cap measures 8.80 mm and the body 15.15 mm, overlapping by 6.35 mm when the capsule is closed.
A size 2 capsule has a nominal volume of 0.36 mL and an empty shell weight of approximately 61 mg. At a powder bulk density of 0.8 g/mL it holds approximately 288 mg of fill, and at 1.0 g/mL approximately 360 mg. There are approximately 16,393 size 2 empty capsules per kilogram. Size 2 is currently in production at Universe Capsules.
Size 3 capsule specification
A size 3 empty hard gelatin capsule has an overall closed length of 15.7 mm (0.618 inches), an external cap diameter of 5.85 mm and an external body diameter of 5.60 mm. The cap measures 8.00 mm and the body 13.45 mm, overlapping by 5.75 mm when the capsule is closed.
A size 3 capsule has a nominal volume of 0.27 mL and an empty shell weight of approximately 48 mg. At a powder bulk density of 0.8 g/mL it holds approximately 216 mg of fill, and at 1.0 g/mL approximately 270 mg. There are approximately 20,833 size 3 empty capsules per kilogram. Size 3 is available on request.
Size 4 capsule specification
A size 4 empty hard gelatin capsule has an overall closed length of 14.3 mm (0.563 inches), an external cap diameter of 5.33 mm and an external body diameter of 5.08 mm. The cap measures 7.20 mm and the body 12.10 mm, overlapping by 5.00 mm when the capsule is closed.
A size 4 capsule has a nominal volume of 0.20 mL and an empty shell weight of approximately 38 mg. At a powder bulk density of 0.8 g/mL it holds approximately 160 mg of fill, and at 1.0 g/mL approximately 200 mg. There are approximately 26,316 size 4 empty capsules per kilogram. Size 4 is available on request.
Size 5 capsule specification
A size 5 empty hard gelatin capsule has an overall closed length of 11.1 mm (0.437 inches), an external cap diameter of 4.91 mm and an external body diameter of 4.68 mm. The cap measures 6.20 mm and the body 9.30 mm, overlapping by 4.40 mm when the capsule is closed.
A size 5 capsule has a nominal volume of 0.13 mL and an empty shell weight of approximately 28 mg. At a powder bulk density of 0.8 g/mL it holds approximately 104 mg of fill, and at 1.0 g/mL approximately 130 mg. There are approximately 35,714 size 5 empty capsules per kilogram. Size 5 is available on request.
Take the data
The complete size dataset, ready to paste into a specification sheet, a formulation worksheet or your own system.
Empty hard gelatin capsule size chart and technical specification, Universe Capsules, universecapsules.com/capsule-size-chart. Dimensions in millimetres, measured at 22 °C and 50 percent relative humidity. Volumes are nominal. Fill weights are calculated as volume multiplied by bulk density and are indicative rather than guaranteed. Empty shell weights are nominal for hard gelatin capsules.
Specification last reviewed .
Tolerances and measurement conditions
Dimensions are meaningless without the tolerance they are held to and the conditions they were measured under. Gelatin is hygroscopic, so a capsule measured at 20 percent relative humidity will not measure the same as one measured at 60 percent.
Material and quality specification
| Material | Pharmaceutical grade gelatin, bovine hide origin, TSE/BSE free |
|---|---|
| Certifications | GMP certified, ISO certified, Halal certified and FSSAI licensed |
| Moisture content | 13 to 16 percent, loss on drying |
| Disintegration | Not more than 15 minutes in purified water at 37°C |
| Pharmacopoeial compliance | Tested to IP, USP and BP requirements |
| Manufacturing standard | Produced in a GMP certified facility operating an ISO certified quality management system |
| Microbial limits | Total aerobic count, yeast and mould, and absence of specified pathogens tested to pharmacopoeial limits per batch |
| Heavy metals | Within pharmacopoeial limits |
| Colourants | Permitted synthetic and natural colours, and titanium dioxide where an opaque shell is specified |
| Shelf life | Three to five years in sealed original packaging, stored at 15 to 25°C and 35 to 65 percent relative humidity |
| Primary packing | Heat sealed food-grade polyethylene bag |
| Secondary packing | Corrugated carton lined with thermocol on all six sides |
| Batch coding | Every carton coded for full traceability to batch |
Colour, printing and customisation
Cap and body specified independently, including two-tone combinations. Transparent, opaque, metallic and pearl finishes available. Custom shades matched from a physical sample or Pantone reference, then assigned a code and reproduced exactly on every repeat order.
Linear printing along the length of the shell, or circular printing wrapping the circumference. Single or two-colour ink. Commonly used for brand name, product code and dosage marking, and as an anti-counterfeiting measure.
Minimum order quantity is 10,00,000 capsules (10 lakh) per specification, where a specification is one combination of size, colour and finish. Samples available in quantities up to 5,000 capsules.
Filling machine compatibility
Capsule sizes are an international standard, so change parts and tooling are interchangeable between suppliers at the same size. A size 0 capsule from any compliant manufacturer will run on size 0 tooling.
What does vary between suppliers is how consistently the dimensions sit within tolerance, and that is what determines rejection rates at speed. Capsules at the loose end of the diameter tolerance jam in the bushes; capsules at the tight end do not seat. If you are evaluating a new supplier, run a sample batch on your own line rather than judging from a specification sheet.
Capsules are supplied pre-locked at the first lock position, which holds them together in transit while still separating cleanly in the machine.
Consistent length and diameter are what allow the rectifier to orient capsules reliably. Dimensional drift shows up here first.
A capsule stored below 30 percent relative humidity becomes brittle and will split during separation, regardless of how well it was manufactured.
Choosing the right size
Active plus all excipients, as the blend will actually be filled. Not the active alone.
Weigh a known volume of the final blend after tapping. This is the step most often skipped and the usual cause of a formulation not fitting.
Fill weight in grams divided by density in g/mL gives the volume you need in mL.
Allow around 10 percent headroom. If nothing fits, split the dose across two smaller capsules rather than forcing one large one.
Sizes 00 and 0 dominate because they balance capacity against comfort. Size 3 and below suit paediatric and veterinary products.
Run a sample batch. Specification sheets do not predict how a blend behaves in your tooling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the length of a size 0 capsule?
A size 0 capsule has a closed length of 21.6 mm and an external cap diameter of 7.64 mm. The cap alone measures 10.85 mm and the body 18.35 mm, overlapping by 7.60 mm when the capsule is closed.
What is the diameter of a size 00 capsule?
A size 00 capsule has an external cap diameter of 8.56 mm and an external body diameter of 8.23 mm. Its closed length is 23.4 mm and it holds 0.90 mL.
Which capsule size holds 500 mg?
For a blend with a bulk density of 0.8 g/mL, a size 0 capsule holds approximately 544 mg and is the usual choice for a 500 mg fill. A denser blend at 1.0 g/mL fits 500 mg into a size 1.
What is the largest capsule size?
Size 000 is the largest standard capsule, with a closed length of 26.1 mm, a cap diameter of 9.91 mm and a volume of 1.37 mL.
What is the smallest capsule size?
Size 5 is the smallest standard capsule, with a closed length of 11.1 mm, a cap diameter of 4.91 mm and a volume of 0.13 mL.
How many empty capsules are there in a kilogram?
It depends on size. A kilogram contains approximately 6,329 size 000 capsules, 8,130 size 00, 10,101 size 0, 12,821 size 1, 16,393 size 2, 20,833 size 3, 26,316 size 4 and 35,714 size 5 capsules.
Why are capsule sizes numbered backwards?
The numbering is historical rather than logical. Larger numbers indicate smaller capsules, so size 5 is the smallest. Sizes larger than 0 were added later and designated with additional zeros, which is why 000 is the largest.
Do capsule dimensions vary between manufacturers?
Nominal dimensions are an international standard and do not vary. What varies is how tightly each manufacturer holds its tolerance, which is what affects performance on high-speed filling lines.
What moisture content should an empty gelatin capsule have?
Between 13 and 16 percent. Below about 30 percent relative humidity the shell loses moisture and becomes brittle; above about 65 percent it absorbs moisture, softens and becomes tacky.
What is the volume of each capsule size?
Nominal volumes are 1.37 mL for size 000, 0.90 mL for size 00, 0.68 mL for size 0, 0.48 mL for size 1, 0.36 mL for size 2, 0.27 mL for size 3, 0.20 mL for size 4 and 0.13 mL for size 5.
Are Universe Capsules empty capsules certified?
Yes. Universe Capsules is GMP certified and ISO certified, holds Halal certification, and is licensed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The capsules are made from pharmaceutical grade bovine hide gelatin that is TSE and BSE free, and every batch is tested to Indian Pharmacopoeia, United States Pharmacopeia and British Pharmacopoeia requirements.
Request a sample
Send us your fill weight and bulk density and we will recommend a size, then supply samples so you can confirm it on your own filling line before committing.
Contact our team