Capsule Volume Chart
Capsule volume refers to the internal space available inside an empty capsule. Capsule volume is usually measured in:
ml (millilitres)
Larger capsules have a greater internal volume and can hold more powder, while smaller capsules are easier to swallow but hold less material.
This capsule volume chart explains the approximate volume, dimensions, and powder capacities of common empty capsule sizes.
Empty Capsule Volume Chart
| Capsule Size | Approximate Volume | Approximate Capacity* |
|---|---|---|
| 000 | 1.37 ml | 700–1400 mg |
| 00 | 0.95 ml | 500–950 mg |
| 0 | 0.68 ml | 300–700 mg |
| 1 | 0.50 ml | 250–500 mg |
| 2 | 0.37 ml | 180–370 mg |
| 3 | 0.30 ml | 150–300 mg |
| 4 | 0.21 ml | 100–210 mg |
*Approximate capacities vary depending on powder density.
What Does Capsule Volume Mean?
Capsule volume is the amount of space available inside the capsule body.
For example:
- a size 000 capsule has more internal volume than a size 0 capsule
- a larger volume allows more powder to fit inside the capsule
Capsule volume is important when calculating:
- powder capacity
- supplement dosage
- capsule quantity
- filling efficiency
Largest Capsule Volume
The largest standard empty capsule size is:
Size 000 = 1.37 ml
Size 000 capsules are commonly used for:
- large herbal doses
- mushroom powders
- protein supplements
- bulk nutritional formulas
Most Popular Capsule Volumes
The most commonly used capsule sizes are:
- size 00
- size 0
These sizes provide a good balance between:
- capsule capacity
- swallowing comfort
- practicality
Common Volumes
- Size 00 = 0.95 ml
- Size 0 = 0.68 ml
Capsule Volume vs Powder Weight
Capsule volume does not directly equal powder weight.
The amount of powder that fits inside a capsule depends on:
- powder density
- particle size
- moisture content
- compression
For example:
- 1ml of a dense mineral powder may weigh over 1g
- 1ml of a light herbal powder may weigh only 0.4g
This is why capsule capacities are always approximate.
Capsule Volume by Size
Size 000
Approximate volume:
- 1.37 ml
Size 00
Approximate volume:
- 0.95 ml
Size 0
Approximate volume:
- 0.68 ml
Size 1
Approximate volume:
- 0.50 ml
Size 2
Approximate volume:
- 0.37 ml
Size 3
Approximate volume:
- 0.30 ml
Size 4
Approximate volume:
- 0.21 ml
Capsule Dimensions Chart
| Capsule Size | Approximate Length | Approximate Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 000 | 26.1 mm | 9.9 mm |
| 00 | 23.4 mm | 8.5 mm |
| 0 | 21.2 mm | 7.6 mm |
| 1 | 19.0 mm | 6.7 mm |
| 2 | 17.3 mm | 6.1 mm |
| 3 | 15.9 mm | 5.8 mm |
| 4 | 14.3 mm | 5.3 mm |
Choosing the Right Capsule Volume
The best capsule size depends on:
- desired dosage
- powder density
- swallowing preference
- filling method
General Guide
- Large doses → 000 or 00
- Medium doses → 0 or 1
- Smaller doses → 2, 3, or 4
Gelatin vs HPMC Capsule Volumes
Gelatin and HPMC capsules generally have very similar internal volumes.
Gelatin Capsules
- traditional capsule material
- smooth texture
- widely used in supplements
HPMC Capsules
- vegetarian and vegan friendly
- plant-based capsule material
- suitable for clean-label products
Why Capsule Volume Matters
Understanding capsule volume helps you:
- estimate powder capacity
- calculate dosage
- choose the correct capsule size
- reduce waste
- improve filling efficiency
It is especially useful when preparing:
- herbal capsules
- nutritional supplements
- custom formulations
- powders with different densities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is capsule volume?
Capsule volume is the amount of internal space available inside an empty capsule.
Which capsule size has the largest volume?
Size 000 capsules have the largest standard capsule volume at approximately 1.37 ml.
Does capsule volume equal powder weight?
No. Powder weight depends on powder density, not just capsule volume.
What is the most popular capsule size?
Size 00 and size 0 are among the most commonly used capsule sizes.
Are vegetarian capsules available in all volumes?
Yes. HPMC vegetarian capsules are available in most standard capsule sizes.
Related Pages
- Capsule Sizes Explained
- Capsule Size Chart
- Powder Density Calculator
- Capsule Capacity Calculator
- How Many mg Fit in a Capsule
- Size 000 Capsule Capacity
- Size 00 Capsule Capacity
- Size 0 Capsule Capacity