Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Resistors are common parts in electronic circuits. To make reading easier, resistor values are often shown by color codes. This article will show you how to quickly find resistor values using color codes. It will also give you a simple tool to help you read resistor parameters in real time.
Resistor Color Code Calculator
Select the number of bands and colors to calculate the resistor value, tolerance, and temperature coefficient (for 6-band resistors).
1st Digit
2nd Digit
Multiplier
Tolerance
Resistance Value
Tolerance
What is a resistor color code?
The resistor color code is an international system. It uses different colors printed on resistors. These colors show the resistance value, the tolerance, and the multiple of the value. For example, brown-black-red-gold means 1kΩ ±5%.
Instructions
Choose the color ring of the resistor (4 rings or 5 rings). Then click each color circle one by one. The system will automatically find the resistance value and the tolerance range.
Reference Table
| Color | Digit Value | Multiplier | Tolerance | Temp. Coefficient (ppm/°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | ×1 (10⁰) | – | – |
| Brown | 1 | ×10 (10¹) | ±1% | 100 |
| Red | 2 | ×100 (10²) | ±2% | 50 |
| Orange | 3 | ×1,000 (10³) | – | 15 |
| Yellow | 4 | ×10,000 (10⁴) | – | 25 |
| Green | 5 | ×100,000 (10⁵) | ±0.5% | – |
| Blue | 6 | ×1,000,000 (10⁶) | ±0.25% | 10 |
| Violet | 7 | ×10,000,000 (10⁷) | ±0.1% | 5 |
| Gray | 8 | ×100,000,000 (10⁸) | ±0.05% | – |
| White | 9 | ×1,000,000,000 (10⁹) | – | – |
| Gold | – | ×0.1 (10⁻¹) | ±5% | – |
| Silver | – | ×0.01 (10⁻²) | ±10% | – |
| None | – | – | ±20% | – |
Band Type Overview
| Band Type | Significant Digits | Multiplier Band | Tolerance Band | Temp. Coefficient Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Band | 2 digits | 3rd band | 4th band | – |
| 5-Band | 3 digits | 4th band | 5th band | – |
| 6-Band | 3 digits | 4th band | 5th band | 6th band |
