Resistor Color Code Calculator
Calculate resistor values from color bands or find color codes for a specific resistance value. Supports 4, 5, and 6 band resistors with high accuracy.
Select Band Type
Result
Resistance: 10.00Ω
Tolerance: ±5%
Range: 9.50Ω to 10.50Ω
How to Use the Resistor Color Code Calculator
Welcome to our Resistor Color Code Calculator! Whether you are an electronics enthusiast, a student, or a professional engineer, this tool will help you quickly and accurately interpret the color code bands on resistors. In just a few simple steps, you can obtain the resistance value, tolerance, and more.
Instructions:
Choose Band Count
First, based on the number of color bands on your resistor, select the corresponding number of bands from the dropdown menu. We support resistors with 3 bands, 4 bands, 5 bands, and 6 bands. 4-band or 5-band resistors are the most common.
Select Band Colors
After selecting the number of bands, the corresponding number of color selectors will appear below. Please select the colors for each band in order from left to right on your resistor (typically, the tolerance band is on the far right and may be wider or have larger spacing). Click on each band's color selector and choose the correct color from the pop-up color list.
View Calculation Results
Once you have completed selecting the colors for all bands, the calculator will automatically provide the calculation results. The results area will clearly display:
- Resistance Value: The resistance value of the resistor, displayed numerically with the appropriate unit (e.g., Ω, kΩ, MΩ).
- Tolerance: The tolerance of the resistor, expressed as a percentage (%). A smaller tolerance indicates higher precision.
- (For 6-Band Resistors) Temperature Coefficient: For 6-band resistors, the temperature coefficient will also be displayed, in ppm/°C, indicating how much the resistance value changes with temperature.
Tips:
- If you are unsure about the direction of the resistor bands, the tolerance band (usually gold or silver) is typically located furthest to the right, or the color bands may have larger spacing before it.
- If the color bands are blurry or difficult to identify, it is recommended to use a multimeter to directly measure the resistance value, or refer to the circuit diagram for guidance.
Understanding Resistor Color Code Calculator: Complete Guide
Resistor Color Code Chart Calculator
| Color | Digit Value | Multiplier | Tolerance (%) | Temperature Coefficient (ppm/°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black | 0 | ×1 | - | - |
Brown | 1 | ×10 | ±1% | 100 |
Red | 2 | ×100 | ±2% | 50 |
Orange | 3 | ×1000 | - | 15 |
Yellow | 4 | ×10000 | - | 25 |
Green | 5 | ×100000 | ±0.5% | 20 |
Blue | 6 | ×1000000 | ±0.25% | 10 |
Violet | 7 | ×10000000 | ±0.1% | 5 |
Gray | 8 | ×100000000 | ±0.05% | - |
White | 9 | ×1000000000 | - | - |
Gold | - | ×0.1 | ±5% | - |
Silver | - | ×0.01 | ±10% | - |
Types of Resistor Color Bands
3 Band Resistor Color Code Calculator
The 3-band resistor is the simplest form: - First band: First significant digit - Second band: Second significant digit - Third band: Multiplier - Fixed tolerance: ±20%
4 Band Resistor Color Code Calculator
The most common type: - First band: First significant digit - Second band: Second significant digit - Third band: Multiplier - Fourth band: Tolerance
5 Band Resistor Color Code Calculator
For higher precision: - First band: First significant digit - Second band: Second significant digit - Third band: Third significant digit - Fourth band: Multiplier - Fifth band: Tolerance
6 Band Resistor Color Code Calculator
Highest precision with temperature coefficient: - First band: First significant digit - Second band: Second significant digit - Third band: Third significant digit - Fourth band: Multiplier - Fifth band: Tolerance - Sixth band: Temperature coefficient
How to Calculate Resistor Color Code
Basic Formula:
Resistance = (Significant digits) × (Multiplier) ±Tolerance%
Example Calculation:
For a 4-band resistor: Brown-Black-Red-Gold
- First digit (Brown) = 1
- Second digit (Black) = 0
- Multiplier (Red) = ×100
- Tolerance (Gold) = ±5%
Result: 10 × 100 = 1,000Ω or 1kΩ ±5%
Important Tips for Reading Resistor Color Codes
Identifying Band Direction
The tolerance band (usually gold or silver) is typically on the right side and often has a wider gap or is slightly wider than other bands.
When Colors are Unclear
If the color bands are difficult to read:
- Use a multimeter to measure the resistance directly
- Refer to your circuit diagram
- Use better lighting or magnification
Common Resistor Values & Color Codes
Below is a comprehensive chart of commonly used resistor values and their corresponding color codes for 3-band, 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors. This reference table will help you quickly identify or select the right resistor for your electronic projects.
| Resistance | 3-Band Colors | 4-Band Colors | 5-Band Colors | 6-Band Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10Ω | (±20%) | (±5%) | (±1%) | (±1%, 100ppm) |
| 100Ω | (±20%) | (±5%) | (±1%) | (±1%, 100ppm) |
| 220Ω | (±20%) | (±5%) | (±1%) | (±1%, 100ppm) |
| 470Ω | (±20%) | (±5%) | (±1%) | (±1%, 100ppm) |
| 1kΩ | (±20%) | (±5%) | (±1%) | (±1%, 100ppm) |
| 4.7kΩ | (±20%) | (±5%) | (±1%) | (±1%, 100ppm) |
| 10kΩ | (±20%) | (±5%) | (±1%) | (±1%, 100ppm) |
| 100kΩ | (±20%) | (±5%) | (±1%) | (±1%, 100ppm) |
| 1MΩ | (±20%) | (±5%) | (±1%) | (±1%, 100ppm) |
Notes:
- 3-band resistors have a fixed tolerance of ±20%
- 4-band resistors typically use gold band for ±5% tolerance
- 5-band and 6-band resistors offer higher precision with ±1% tolerance
- 6-band resistors include temperature coefficient (usually 100 ppm/°C for common resistors)
Types of Resistors and Color Code Applications
Understanding different types of resistors and their marking systems is crucial for electronics work. While color codes are common on through-hole resistors, other types use different marking methods.
Common Types of Resistors
| Resistor Type | Marking Method | Characteristics | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Film Resistor | Color Code Bands |
| General electronics, hobbyist projects |
| Metal Film Resistor | Color Code Bands |
| Precision circuits, audio equipment |
| Wire Wound Resistor | Direct Printing |
| Power supplies, high-current applications |
| SMD/SMT Resistor | Numerical Code |
| Modern PCBs, automated assembly |
Color Code Applications
Through-Hole Resistors with Color Codes
Color coding is primarily used on through-hole resistors, particularly:
- Carbon film resistors - Most common in general electronics
- Metal film resistors - Used in precision applications
- Carbon composition resistors - Older type, still used in specific applications
Non-Color Coded Resistors
Several resistor types use alternative marking methods:
- SMD Resistors - Use numerical codes (e.g., "103" for 10kΩ)
- Wire Wound Resistors - Often have values printed directly
- High-Power Resistors - Usually marked with text
SMD Resistor Marking System
Common SMD Marking Formats:
SMD resistors typically use one of these marking systems:
- 3-Digit Code: First two digits are significant figures, third digit is multiplier (e.g., "103" = 10 × 10³ = 10kΩ)
- 4-Digit Code: First three digits are significant figures, fourth digit is multiplier (e.g., "1002" = 100 × 10² = 10kΩ)
- EIA-96 Code: Letter-number combination for precision resistors
Looking for SMD resistor calculations? Stay tuned for our upcoming SMD Resistor Calculator!
Choosing the Right Resistor Type
When selecting a resistor type, consider these factors:
- Power rating requirements
- Tolerance needs
- Environmental conditions
- Cost constraints
- Space limitations
- Assembly method (manual vs automated)