How to Identify JST Connectors: Pitch, Series & Pin Count Guide
JST connectors are everywhere — in drones, 3D printers, RC cars, LiPo batteries, and consumer electronics. But with dozens of series and similar-looking housings, identifying the right JST connector can be frustrating. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step method to identify any JST connector by pitch, series, and pin count.
What Makes JST Connectors Hard to Identify?
- Multiple series share the same pitch (e.g. XH and EH are both 2.5mm)
- Housings look visually similar across series
- Third-party "JST-compatible" connectors may not match original specs
- Pin count alone is not enough to identify a connector
Step 1: Measure the Pitch
Pitch is the center-to-center distance between adjacent pins. It is the single most important measurement for identifying a JST connector.
How to measure:
- Use a digital caliper
- Measure from the center of one pin to the center of the next
- Common JST pitches: 1.0mm, 1.25mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.96mm
| Pitch | Possible Series |
|---|---|
| 1.0mm | SH |
| 1.25mm | GH |
| 1.5mm | ZH |
| 2.0mm | PH, PA |
| 2.5mm | XH, EH, SM, RCY |
| 3.96mm | VH |
Step 2: Identify the Series by Housing Shape
Same pitch ≠ same series. After measuring pitch, compare the housing shape. For a full breakdown of all series, see our JST Connector Types Guide.
2.5mm pitch connectors — how to tell them apart:
| Series | Key Visual Feature |
|---|---|
| XH | Standard rectangular housing, single latch |
| EH | Slimmer profile, lower height than XH |
| SM | Wire-to-wire only, no PCB mount version |
| RCY | 2-pin only, rounded housing |
2.0mm pitch connectors:
| Series | Key Visual Feature |
|---|---|
| PH | Most common, standard latch |
| PA | Positive latch, slightly different housing angle |
Step 3: Count the Pins
Once you've confirmed pitch and series, count the number of pins. JST connectors range from 2-pin to 15-pin depending on the series. See our JST Connector Models Guide for full pin count specifications per series.
| Series | Available Pin Counts |
|---|---|
| SH | 2–15 |
| GH | 2–15 |
| PH | 2–16 |
| XH | 2–15 |
| VH | 2–10 |
Step 4: Check the Locking Mechanism
- Friction lock — no audible click, pulls apart easily (common in SH, ZH)
- Positive latch — audible click, requires tab to release (common in PH, XH, VH)
- Side latch — latch on the side of the housing (GH)
Quick Identification Cheat Sheet
| You see... | Likely series |
|---|---|
| Tiny connector, 1mm spacing, drone/laptop | SH (1.0mm) |
| Flight controller connector, 1.25mm | GH (1.25mm) |
| LiPo battery connector, 2mm spacing | PH (2.0mm) |
| 3D printer wiring, 2.5mm spacing | XH (2.5mm) |
| Large power connector, 4mm spacing | VH (3.96mm) |
| LED strip connector, wire-to-wire | SM (2.5mm) |
Common Mistakes When Identifying JST Connectors
- Assuming same pitch = interchangeable — XH and EH share 2.5mm pitch but are NOT compatible
- Trusting visual similarity alone — always measure pitch with a caliper
- Confusing JST-compatible with genuine JST — third-party clones may have slightly different tolerances
- Ignoring wire gauge — each series has a rated AWG range; using wrong gauge affects contact reliability
Related Guides
- 📌 12 Most Common JST Connector Types: SH, GH, PH, XH, VH & More
- 📌 JST Connector Models Explained: How to Choose the Right Series
- 📌 JST XH Connector: Complete Guide & FAQ
- 📌 JST VH Connector: Complete Guide to Types, Pinout & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a JST connector without a datasheet?
Measure the pitch with a digital caliper, compare the housing shape to known series, and count the pins. The pitch measurement alone narrows it down to 1–2 possible series. Our JST Connector Models Guide has full specs for each series.
Are all 2.5mm JST connectors the same?
No. XH, EH, SM, and RCY all use 2.5mm pitch but have different housing shapes, heights, and locking mechanisms. They are not interchangeable. See our JST XH Connector Guide for XH-specific details.
Can I use a JST PH connector instead of JST XH?
No. PH is 2.0mm pitch and XH is 2.5mm pitch. They are physically incompatible.
Where can I buy JST connectors?
Browse our JST Connector collection for all major series including XH, PH, VH, SH, GH, ZH, and EH. Ships worldwide with no minimum order quantity.