
Murata Electronics
A strong parametric match with same tolerance and higher voltage, but different (X7S) dielectric.
Finding a substitute for the Murata GRM21BR61C106KE15K, a 10µF 16V 10% X5R 0805 MLCC, involves balancing trade-offs. While no exact drop-in is available, several parametric alternatives exist with different tolerances or dielectrics.
Wider tolerance or different dielectric (X6S/X7S) will alter capacitance value over temperature and DC bias, impacting circuit behavior.
All candidates share the same 0805 package, ensuring physical compatibility on the PCB.
No direct, drop-in replacement for GRM21BR61C106KE15K was found. All suitable alternatives require reviewing parametric differences.
If the application can tolerate a different dielectric, GRM21BC81E106KE51L (X6S) is a strong choice. If not, GRM21BR61E106MA73L (X5R) is an option if ±20% tolerance is acceptable.
The primary risks are changes in electrical performance due to different capacitance tolerance or dielectric temperature characteristics.

Murata Electronics
A strong parametric match with same tolerance and higher voltage, but different (X7S) dielectric.
| Feature / factor | GRM21BR61C106KE15K | GRM21BC71E106KE11L | GRM21BC81E106KE51L | GRM21BC8YA106KE11L | Compatibility / risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 0805 (2012 Metric) | 0805 (2012 metric) | 0805 (2012 metric) | 0805 (2012 metric) | 0805 (2012 metric) / 0805 (2012 Metric) — Form-fit compatible.; GRM21BC81E106KE51L: Form-fit compatible.; GRM21BC8YA106KE11L: Form-fit compatible.; GRM21BR61E106MA73L: Form-fit compatible. |
| Voltage | 16V | 25V | 25V | 35V | 25V / 35V — Higher voltage rating is a safe upgrade.; GRM21BC81E106KE51L: Higher voltage rating is a safe upgrade.; GRM21BC8YA106KE11L: Higher voltage rating is a safe upgrade.; GRM21BR61E106MA73L: Higher voltage rating is a safe upgrade. |
| Tolerance | ±10% | ±10% | ±10% | ±10% | ±10% / ±20% — Tolerance matches target.; GRM21BC81E106KE51L: Tolerance matches target.; GRM21BC8YA106KE11L: Tolerance matches target.; GRM21BR61E106MA73L: Wider tolerance may affect performance in sensitive circuits. |
| Dielectric | X5R | X7S | X6S | X6S | X7S / X6S / X5R — X7S has different temp characteristics vs X5R. Review required.; GRM21BC81E106KE51L: X6S has different temp characteristics vs X5R. Review required.; GRM21BC8YA106KE11L: X6S has different temp characteristics vs X5R. Review required.; GRM21BR61E106MA73L: Matching dielectric ensures similar temperature characteristics. |
The best alternative depends on your circuit's sensitivity. GRM21BC81E106KE51L is a good option if a different dielectric (X6S) is acceptable. If the dielectric must be X5R, GRM21BR61E106MA73L is an option, but it has a wider ±20% tolerance.