Axial vs Radial leaded capacitors, resistors, and inductors

A questions that comes up from time to time is what does axial or radial leaded mean? This is calling out how the leads comes out of the component.

Axial leaded components will have a lead or multiple leads coming out of each end of the component. Here are examples of an axial leaded capacitor, resistor, and inductor.

Radial which many people think is the shape of the component is actually calling out that the leads are coming out the same side of the component. Here are an example of a radial leaded capacitor, resistor, and inductor.

You will find this nomenclature true for many additional components as well. If you have any questions about component nomenclature feel free to ask and our team of engineers and engineering techs will be happy to help.