Technical Buyer Guide
Empty hard capsules are available in different standard sizes. Larger capsule numbers do not mean larger capsule volume. Choosing the correct size depends on formulation characteristics, powder density, target fill quantity, filling equipment, and product design. Final size should be confirmed through formulation and filling trials.
Quick Overview
Current standard sizes: 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Size decreases as the number increases: 00 is larger than 0, 0 is larger than 1, 1 is larger than 2, 2 is larger than 3, and 3 is larger than 4. There is no universal best size for every formulation.
Size Comparison
Visual reference only. Use the comparison table below and the full Specifications page for exact dimensions and capacity data.
Capsule Size Chart
Covering length, outside diameter, and capacity volume are copied from the current Specifications page. Reference fill weights by powder density are available on the full specifications chart.
| Capsule Size | Covering Length | Outside Diameter | Capacity Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00# | 22.2-23.2 mm | Cap 8.50-8.58 mm Body 8.13-8.21 mm |
0.95 ml |
| 0# | 20.7-21.7 mm | Cap 7.57-7.71 mm Body 7.26-7.40 mm |
0.67 ml |
| 1# | 18.5-19.5 mm | Cap 6.83-6.97 mm Body 6.56-6.70 mm |
0.50 ml |
| 2# | 17.0-17.8 mm | Cap 6.28-6.42 mm Body 6.00-6.14 mm |
0.37 ml |
| 3# | 15.0-15.8 mm | Cap 5.76-5.90 mm Body 5.50-5.64 mm |
0.30 ml |
| 4# | 13.4-14.3 mm | Cap 5.25-5.39 mm Body 4.98-5.12 mm |
0.21 ml |
Formulation Context
Capsule capacity is a volume measurement. The weight that fits into a capsule varies with the bulk density and physical properties of the filling material. Two powders can occupy the same capsule volume but have different fill weights. Buyers should not select capsule size based only on target milligrams.
Selection Process
Use this process as practical procurement guidance. It does not replace formulation testing or filling trials.
Confirm the intended fill quantity and formulation characteristics before reviewing capsule capacity.
Assess powder or granule bulk density and flow characteristics that influence how material fills the capsule shell.
Match estimated fill volume needs against published capacity for sizes 00 through 4.
Check whether the intended capsule size aligns with your filling line setup and change parts.
Confirm the production size through trial fills rather than relying only on a size chart.
Size Detail
Capsule size 00 is one of the larger sizes in the current AmgenCapsule standard range. It provides higher internal capacity than sizes 0 through 4, with a published capacity volume of 0.95 ml and covering length of 22.2-23.2 mm.
It may be considered when a formulation requires greater volume. Confirm suitability through formulation review and filling trials.
Size Detail
Capsule size 0 is smaller than size 00 and larger than sizes 1 through 4. With a published capacity volume of 0.67 ml, it is commonly evaluated when buyers need a balance between capsule volume and product format.
Compare required fill volume, powder density, and equipment compatibility before selecting size 0 over size 00 or size 1.
Smaller Standard Sizes
These sizes provide progressively lower capacity volume within the AmgenCapsule standard range.
Covering length 18.5-19.5 mm. Capacity volume 0.50 ml. Smaller than size 0; larger than sizes 2–4.
Covering length 17.0-17.8 mm. Capacity volume 0.37 ml. Smaller than size 1; larger than sizes 3–4.
Covering length 15.0-15.8 mm. Capacity volume 0.30 ml. Smaller than size 2; larger than size 4.
Covering length 13.4-14.3 mm. Capacity volume 0.21 ml. The smallest size in the current AmgenCapsule standard range.
Material Availability
The current listed size data are suitable for Gelatin Empty Capsules and HPMC Empty Capsules, based on the existing Specifications page. Review material choice separately from size selection.
Gelatin Empty Capsules HPMC Vegetarian Empty Capsules Gelatin vs HPMC Capsules Guide
Production Fit
Capsule filling equipment may use size-specific change parts or settings. Buyers should confirm the intended capsule size against their filling line. Capsule shell type, size, and equipment setup should be checked before bulk ordering.
Procurement Checklist
For full dimension and reference fill-weight data, open the Capsule Size & Capacity Specifications page.
Procurement Notes
Choosing size based only on milligram target.
Ignoring powder density when matching fill quantity to capsule volume.
Assuming nominal capacity equals guaranteed fill weight.
Failing to check filling equipment compatibility.
Skipping trial fills before confirming production size.
Finalizing color/printing before confirming size.
Using reference fill weights as guaranteed production values.
FAQ
Practical answers for empty capsule size selection.
Capsule size 00 is larger than capsule size 0. In the AmgenCapsule standard range, size decreases from 00 to 4.
Capsule size 00 is one of the larger empty hard capsule sizes in the current AmgenCapsule standard range. It has a higher capacity volume than sizes 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Size 00 has a published capacity volume of 0.95 ml. Actual fill weight depends on formulation properties and powder bulk density. Use the Capsule Size & Capacity Specifications page for density-based reference fill weights; these are reference values, not guaranteed production fill weights.
Compare required fill volume with published capacity, then evaluate powder density, product format, and filling equipment. Size 00 provides higher capacity (0.95 ml) than size 0 (0.67 ml). Confirm the final size through formulation and filling trials.
Yes. Capsule capacity is a volume measurement. The weight that fits into a capsule varies with bulk density and the physical properties of the filling material.
Yes. The current listed size data on the Specifications page are suitable for Gelatin Empty Capsules and HPMC Empty Capsules, covering sizes 00 through 4.
Yes. Capsule filling equipment may use size-specific change parts or settings. Confirm the intended capsule size against your filling line before bulk ordering.
Yes. Final capsule size should be confirmed through formulation and filling trials rather than relying only on a size chart or reference fill weights.
Size Selection Support
Share your formulation, target fill quantity, powder characteristics, capsule material, and filling equipment requirements. Our team can help identify suitable capsule sizes for further evaluation.