Resistor Color Code Calculator
Decode 4, 5, and 6 band resistor values instantly.
Configuration
CALCULATED VALUE
--- Ω
Tolerance
--- %
TCR
--- ppm/°C
How to Read Resistor Color Codes
Resistor color codes are a system used to identify the resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes the temperature coefficient of axial lead resistors. This calculator supports 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors. The bands are read from left to right. The tolerance band is usually on the right side and is often gold or silver.
4-Band Resistors
This is the most common type. The first two bands represent the significant digits, the third is the multiplier, and the fourth is the tolerance.
- Band 1: First significant digit.
- Band 2: Second significant digit.
- Band 3: Multiplier.
- Band 4: Tolerance.
5-Band Resistors (for higher precision)
Used for resistors with tighter tolerances. The first three bands represent the significant digits.
- Band 1: First significant digit.
- Band 2: Second significant digit.
- Band 3: Third significant digit.
- Band 4: Multiplier.
- Band 5: Tolerance.
6-Band Resistors (with Temperature Coefficient)
These are high-precision resistors that add a sixth band to indicate the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR), which specifies how much the resistance changes with temperature.
- Band 1: First significant digit.
- Band 2: Second significant digit.
- Band 3: Third significant digit.
- Band 4: Multiplier.
- Band 5: Tolerance.
- Band 6: Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR).
Resistor Color Code Charts
| Color | Digit Value | Multiplier | Tolerance | TCR (ppm/K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | x1 | - | 250 |
| Brown | 1 | x10 | ±1% | 100 |
| Red | 2 | x100 | ±2% | 50 |
| Orange | 3 | x1k | - | 15 |
| Yellow | 4 | x10k | - | 25 |
| Green | 5 | x100k | ±0.5% | 20 |
| Blue | 6 | x1M | ±0.25% | 10 |
| Violet | 7 | x10M | ±0.1% | 5 |
| Gray | 8 | x100M | ±0.05% | 1 |
| White | 9 | x1G | - | - |
| Gold | - | x0.1 | ±5% | - |
| Silver | - | x0.01 | ±10% | - |
| None | - | - | ±20% | - |
Note: If a 4-band resistor does not have a fourth (tolerance) band, the tolerance is assumed to be ±20%.
Calculation Examples
Example 1: 4-Band Resistor (Brown, Black, Red, Gold)
Let's calculate the value of a common 4-band resistor with the colors Brown, Black, Red, and Gold.
- Band 1: The first significant digit is 1.
- Band 2: The second significant digit is 0.
- Band 3: Multiplier.
- Band 4: Tolerance.
The resistance value is calculated by combining the first two digits and applying the multiplier: (10) * 100 = 1,000 Ω.
Result: 1 kΩ with a ±5% tolerance.
Example 2: 5-Band Resistor (Orange, Orange, Black, Brown, Brown)
Now for a higher precision 5-band resistor with Orange, Orange, Black, Brown, and Brown.
- Band 1: First digit is 3.
- Band 2: Second digit is 3.
- Band 3: Third digit is 0.
- Band 4: Multiplier.
- Band 5: Tolerance.
Combine the first three digits and apply the multiplier: (330) * 10 = 3,300 Ω.
Result: 3.3 kΩ with a ±1% tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know which end to start reading from?
Most resistors have the tolerance band set further apart from the others, or it is a distinctive color like Gold or Silver. This band should be on your right side when you read the colors.
What if a resistor has only 3 bands?
A 3-band resistor is read just like a 4-band one, but it lacks a tolerance band. In this case, the tolerance is assumed to be a wide ±20%.
Are there any tricks to remember the color order?
Yes! A popular mnemonic is: "Big Boys Race Our Young Girls But Violet Generally Wins". Each capital letter corresponds to a color: Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Gray, White.