Resistor Color Code Calculator
Decode 4, 5, and 6-band resistor values with tolerance and temperature coefficient
Resistor Configuration
4-band: Standard precision, 5-band: High precision, 6-band: Precision with temperature coefficient
Visual Resistor
Resistor Values
Common Resistor Values
Color Value Reference
Band Functions
Digit Bands
First 2-3 bands represent significant digits
Multiplier Band
Multiplies the digit value by power of 10
Tolerance Band
Indicates precision as percentage
Temperature Coeff.
Change per degree Celsius (6-band only)
Reading Tips
Look for larger gap before tolerance band
Metallic colors (gold/silver) are usually tolerance
First band is typically closer to component end
Use multimeter to verify if unsure
6-band resistors have temperature coefficient
Understanding Resistor Color Codes
What are Resistor Color Codes?
Resistor color codes are a standardized system for indicating the electrical resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes temperature coefficient of resistors. This color-coding system was developed in the 1920s to provide a compact way to mark component values on tiny resistors where printed numbers would be too small to read.
How to Read the Codes
- •Identify the reading direction by looking for the larger gap before the tolerance band
- •Read significant digits from the first 2-3 colored bands
- •Apply the multiplier from the next band
- •Note the tolerance percentage from the final band
Mathematical Formulas
4-Band Formula:
R = (10 × Band1 + Band2) × Multiplier ± Tolerance%
5-Band Formula:
R = (100 × Band1 + 10 × Band2 + Band3) × Multiplier ± Tolerance%
6-Band Formula:
Same as 5-band + Temperature Coefficient
Practical Applications
- •Circuit design and component selection
- •Electronics prototyping and breadboarding
- •Quality control in manufacturing
- •Component sorting and inventory management
- •Educational electronics learning