Empty Capsule Sizes
Are you curious about which empty capsule sizes are available or wondering if it's worth buying separate empty capsules? Do you want to know how large 00-size empty capsules are, how they dissolve in the stomach, and if they're suitable for children? You've come to the right place! This article will answer these questions and more.
In fact, most of the questions we receive every week are about the size of our capsules and what size we recommend. Often, the questions are:
- Which capsule size is right for me?
- Are capsule sizes standardized internationally?
- How many grams of powder fits in capsules size 00?
Let's start by answering the most frequently asked questions. Below, you'll find a detailed article on the subject of empty capsule sizes. For a quick overview of the topic, jump directly to the table of contents.
Capsule Sizes
| Size | Filling Quantity* |
|---|---|
| 000 | 26 mm × 9.5 mm |
| 1150 mg | |
| 00 | 23 mm x 8.2 mm |
| 750 mg | |
| 0 | 21 mm x 7.3 mm |
| 550 mg | |
| 1 | 19 mm x 6.6 mm |
| 400 mg | |
| 2 | 17 mm x 6.1 mm |
| 300 mg | |
| 3 | 15 mm x 5.6 mm |
| 250 mg | |
| 4 | 14 mm x 5.1 mm |
| 200 mg | |
| 5 | 11 mm x 5.0 mm |
| 150 mg |
*Average value, the actual filling quantity depends on the density of your powder and how strongly you compress it.
00 Capsules
Empty capsules size 00 have a length of about 2.3 centimeters and are about 8 millimeters thick. You can fill them with an average of about 750 mg of powder.
Filling Quantity
The volume of an empty capsule size 00 is 0.9 mL. On average, that's about 750 mg of powder per capsule. If you know the exact density of your powder, you can determine exactly how much powder will fit inside:
| Density of Powder | Filling Quantity in a 00 Capsule |
|---|---|
| 0.6 g/mL | 558 mg |
| 0.8 g/mL | 744 mg |
| 1.0 g/mL | 930 mg |
| 1.2 g/mL | 1116 mg |
Note that you will get different results depending on how much you condense the powder during encapsulation. The most accurate way is to use a precision balance. With our CAPSLR capsule filler, you will achieve a very uniform filling. It is therefore sufficient to take a few capsules as a random sample to find out the average content of all capsules.
Table of Contents
Now that we have clarified the most frequently asked questions about empty capsule sizes, we will go into detail about the advantages of capsules, their history, and a few special features. If you still don't have all your questions answered, we will also collect all the questions we receive at the end of this article and answer them.
Advantages of Capsules
Empty capsules of various sizes are an excellent choice for a number of reasons. They are easy to use, transport, and store. In addition, capsules are easy to dose, swallow, and dissolve in the body.
The Right Empty Capsule Size for Children
When it comes to giving children supplements or medication, it's important to choose the right empty capsule size. The most common size for children is size 3 or 4, which can hold approximately 150-200 mg of powder. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before giving any supplements or medication to children.
The History of Empty Capsules
Empty capsules as we know them today date back to the early 19th century, when a French pharmacist named Pierre-Jean Robiquet discovered that he could use gelatin to make pills. He created an edible capsule to solve the problem of bad-tasting medicines. This new invention was then patented in 1810. The first gelatin capsules were filled with crushed chamomile flowers, which were used at the time as medicine for stomach problems.
Even though the invention and patenting is now attributed to Robquiet, there are references to earlier uses of empty capsules. These date back to the time of the Egyptians. This suggests that the ancient people were already using empty capsules 5000 years ago.
What You Should Consider with Different Empty Capsule Sizes
Empty capsules are a great way to make your own supplements, but you should always make sure that you use the right size. Empty capsule sizes range from 5 to 000, and there are a few different things you need to consider before choosing the right size for your needs.
As Big as Possible, as Small as Necessary
The most important factor is how long it takes you to swallow the capsules. If you have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules, it is better to take smaller capsules so that you can swallow them more easily. However, if you do not have problems swallowing pills or capsules, you should rather take larger capsules because they take less time to swallow.
Also Consider What the Capsules Will be Filled with
Also keep in mind what kind of supplements you want to put in the capsules: liquids usually don't mix well with this type of capsule, so you won't be able to take them without their contents spilling all over everything nearby!
The most common shape is the 00 size, and they are still easy to swallow. At the same time, they have a fairly high capacity, which means you have to swallow fewer capsules at a time.
Which Empty Capsule Size is Right for Me?
When choosing the right size of empty capsules, it is important to consider what you will be using them for. The most common capsule size is 00, which can hold about 500-750 mg of powder. They are small enough to swallow easily, but large enough to hold a large volume.
Determining Capsule Size as a Function of Fill Volume
To determine capsule size as a function of fill quantity, there is a rule of thumb. The larger the capsule, the higher its capacity.
Empty Capsules FAQ
If you're considering using empty capsules for your supplements or medication, you likely have some questions. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is the rule for empty capsules?
The rule applies to all standard empty capsules. If you have questions about specific capsules or their filling quantities, please contact us directly! You can easily contact us via the button at the bottom right.
Is it worth buying separate empty capsules?
If you have a lot of capsules to fill, you should consider whether pre-separated empty capsules are a good option for you. Pre-separated empty capsules are more expensive than closed ones, but considering how much time you'll save and how many fills you'll need in the long run, they can still be worth the investment. You can therefore buy both closed and separated empty capsules from us and decide for yourself if the extra cost is worth the time savings.
How long does it take for a capsule to take full effect?
When it comes to the time it takes for a capsule to dissolve, there's a lot more to say than just "it depends." How long capsules take to dissolve depends on the size, type and amount of material in each capsule. In other words: If you take one or two capsules at a time, your intestines will dissolve them differently than if you take six or seven. Here's an overview of what we know:
- A single 00-size gelatin or HPMC capsule typically takes 10 minutes or less to dissolve completely.
- The pharmacokinetics (i.e., how fast and how much) of the active ingredient is more important than the capsule itself in determining how long it takes for a pill to work in your body.
- So although gelatin and HPMC capsules have different dissolution rates, their effects on your body should be about the same because they contain similar amounts of active ingredient per milligram.
How do capsules dissolve in the stomach?
Capsules are usually made from gelatin or HPMC, two substances that dissolve easily in the stomach. When you swallow a capsule, it passes through your digestive system and ends up in your stomach. The ingredients in the capsule also dissolve in the stomach. The stomach acid reacts with the capsule and dissolves it into smaller pieces, which are then transported further into the intestines. This process ensures that what you take (whether vitamins or supplements) gets into your bloodstream.
What capsule size is best for children?
From our experience, capsule size 00 is best for children.
Empty Capsules for Children
When it comes to children taking capsules, it's important to choose the right size. However, the size isn't always the issue. Sometimes, it's the feeling of swallowing that can be the problem.
While smaller capsules may seem like a good solution, it can actually make the problem worse. A smaller capsule size may require more capsules to be taken to get the same amount of filling. This can result in children having to endure the unpleasant feeling of swallowing more often, which can lead to them refusing to take more capsules.
Although some children may need assistance when taking capsules, most can learn to swallow them on their own within a few days. It's important to encourage them and help them overcome their fears.
In summary, empty capsules offer a great benefit in allowing you to control the dosage and ingredients of supplements. While the variety of capsule sizes may seem overwhelming, it's important to choose the right size for your child's needs. And remember, it's often the feeling of swallowing that's the issue, not the size of the capsule.