Resistor Color Code Calculator

Decode resistor values from color bands and visualize the results

Select Number of Bands

4 Bands

5 Bands

6 Bands

Resistor Visualization

1st

2nd

3rd

Multiplier

Tolerance

Temp. Coefficient

Select Colors for Each Band

1st Digit

2nd Digit

3rd Digit (5/6 band only)

Multiplier

Tolerance

Temperature Coefficient (6 band only)

Resistor Value

1,000 Ω

Tolerance: ±5%

Temperature Coefficient: -

Minimum Value: 950 Ω

Maximum Value: 1,050 Ω

Resistance Value Range

Tolerance Distribution

Common Applications

This resistor value is commonly used in voltage divider circuits, LED current limiting, and general purpose applications.

🎨 Understanding Resistor Color Codes

Resistor color codes are a system used to indicate the value, tolerance, and sometimes temperature coefficient of resistors through colored bands. This system allows for quick identification of resistor values without needing to print small numbers on the component.

📊 Resistor Color Code Chart

The standard color code system uses the following values:

⚫ Black: 0
🟤 Brown: 1, ×10Ω, ±1%
🔴 Red: 2, ×100Ω, ±2%
🟠 Orange: 3, ×1kΩ
🟡 Yellow: 4, ×10kΩ
🟢 Green: 5, ×100kΩ, ±0.5%
🔵 Blue: 6, ×1MΩ, ±0.25%
🟣 Violet: 7, ×10MΩ, ±0.1%
⚪ White: 9, ×1GΩ
🟠 Gold: ×0.1Ω, ±5%
⚪ Silver: ×0.01Ω, ±10%

🔧 How to Read Resistor Color Codes

To read a resistor's value:

Position the resistor with the tolerance band on the right (usually gold or silver)
Read the bands from left to right
The first band represents the first digit
The second band represents the second digit
The third band (if present) represents the third digit
The fourth band represents the multiplier
The fifth band represents the tolerance
The sixth band (if present) represents the temperature coefficient

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of resistor color codes? Resistor color codes provide a standardized way to identify resistor values, tolerance, and temperature coefficient without relying on printed numbers that might be too small to read or could wear off over time.

How many bands do resistors typically have? Most resistors have 4 bands, but precision resistors may have 5 or 6 bands to provide additional digits or temperature coefficient information.

What does the tolerance band indicate? The tolerance band indicates how much the actual resistance might vary from the stated value. A gold band indicates ±5% tolerance, silver indicates ±10%, and no band indicates ±20%.

How do I read a 5-band resistor? For 5-band resistors, the first three bands represent significant digits, the fourth band is the multiplier, and the fifth band is the tolerance.