Why are SMD resistors marked with their value, but SMD ceramic (and similar) capacitors are not? Most SMD resistors, even the very small 0402 and 0603 ones, have their values written on them. Most SMD ceramic caps are not, I haven't to date seen a single one. The only possible reason I can think of is that resistors are far more likely to fail than capacitors as they natively dissipate heat. Supporting this theory is the fact that tantalum and aluminium electrolytic capacitors generally have a value written on them, because they are less reliable than ceramics.
Out of curiosity.
Best Answer
The reason is that 'default' surface material used in resistors is suitable for printing, while on caps(ceramic dielectric) it's not. Extra coating would increase price & reduce cap quality, that's why they don't do it usually. When caps are big enough & plastic, they usually have markings.