Size 2 Empty Capsule Guide: Capacity, Uses & Comparison

Size 2 empty capsules are a medium-small capsule option. Their approximate internal volume is ~0.37 mL, with a typical guide fill range of 200–400 mg.

The actual weight that fits in a capsule depends on the bulk density, particle size and packing of the powder. Capsule size is fundamentally a volume measurement, so the same capsule can hold very different weights of different ingredients.

Size 2 Capsule Capacity

Specification Size 2
Approx. volume ~0.37 mL
Typical guide fill range* 200–400 mg
Relative size medium-small

*Approximate guide only. Actual fill weight depends on the material being filled and how densely it packs.

Easy Visual Size Reference

Size 2 empty capsule visual size reference compared with a standard 53.98 mm credit card width and millimetre ruler

A size 2 capsule is about 18.0 mm long when locked. As a simple everyday reference, when laid lengthways, it is about the width of a UK 5p coin. This comparison is only to help visualise the size; capsule dimensions should be used for accurate fitting.

What Is Size 2 Commonly Used For?

Size 2 can be used for self-filling powders and other suitable dry ingredients when its volume matches the required fill. The best size should be chosen from the physical volume of the ingredient rather than from milligrams alone.

How to Estimate Whether Your Powder Will Fit

If you know the powder’s bulk density in g/mL, multiply that value by the capsule volume (~0.37 mL) to estimate an approximate fill weight. Always allow for normal variation in powder flow and packing.

Size 2 vs Other Capsule Sizes

Capsule sizes become progressively smaller from 000 to 5. Use our complete Empty Capsule Size Guide to compare 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in one table.

Size 000 · Size 00 · Size 0 · Size 1 · Size 2 · Size 3 · Size 4

Gelatin, HPMC, Pullulan or Delayed-Release?

The correct shell depends on more than size. Material, dietary preference and release profile can all matter. Pure Capsules supplies multiple capsule types and sizes, including gelatin, vegetarian HPMC, pullulan and selected delayed-release options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many milligrams fit in a size 2 capsule?

A typical guide range is about 200–400 mg, but there is no single guaranteed milligram capacity because powders differ in bulk density.

Is size 2 suitable for every powder?

No. Suitability depends on the powder volume, flow properties and your intended fill quantity. Test with the actual ingredient where possible.

Where can I compare all capsule sizes?

See the Pure Capsules empty capsule size chart for a full side-by-side comparison.

Shop Size 2 Empty Capsules by Material

Gelatin · HPMC · DRcaps®

Not sure which shell technology is right? Compare our empty capsule types or use the Capsule Size Calculator.

Ready to choose? Browse all empty capsules.

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Customer Reviews

I've been using DR caps from pure capsules for a few years

I have been using the clear DR capsules from pure capsules for three years now. Like many others leaving reviews, I have a chronic UTI and I'm on hiprex and long term antibiotics. In order to protect my stomach I encapsulate all of these drugs in a 000 capsule which fits hiprex and coamoxiclav. The service that Bob and his team gives is first class. Quick to answer emails and the capsules are sent out very quickly.
Date of experience: 4 August 2023

Excellent Delayed Release Capsules Would highly recommend this Company and…

Would highly recommend this Company and their delayed release capsules if you're on long term medication that affects your stomach. My symptoms are much improved and the staff couldn't be more friendly and helpful when processing orders. A truly professional service. Thank you.
Date of experience: 2 August 2023

This company is amazing

This company is amazing. They have acid resistant capsules, which I can put my medication in, and have literally been a life-saver. They are reasonably priced, available to purchase as a individual customer (instead of just being for businesses), and the capsules always arrive in good time. I have never had any issues with this company and highly recommend them.
Date of experience: 14 July 2023

God Send for cUTI long term medication

These have been a god send. My long term medication for CUTI (hiprex and antibiotics) are very difficult to take as harsh on the tummy causing nausea, burning, reflux etc. If i encapsulate them in the enteric coated capsules they don't release until they hit the small intestine so all them nasty side effected no longer happen. Without these i wouldn't be able to stay on my medication and be extremely unwell so I am very grateful these are available!
Date of experience: 1 August 2023
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