Resistor Color Code Calculator
Read the resistance and tolerance of a 4-band or 5-band resistor from its color bands. Example: brown, black, red, gold is 1 kilohm (1,000 ohms) with 5% tolerance.
Show steps
How to use the Resistor Color Code Calculator
- Choose a 4-band or 5-band resistor.
- Select the color of each band from the first band onward.
- Press Calculate for the resistance, tolerance and range.
Formula and method
Resistance = (digits formed by the first 2 or 3 bands) x 10^(multiplier band). Tolerance is the last band. Colors map to digits: black 0, brown 1, red 2, orange 3, yellow 4, green 5, blue 6, violet 7, grey 8, white 9.
Worked example: brown, black, red, gold
| Band | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown | 1 |
| 2 | Black | 0 |
| 3 (multiplier) | Red | x100 |
| 4 (tolerance) | Gold | 5% |
| Result | 1,000 ohms = 1 kΩ, 5% |
Color code chart
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | x1 | |
| Brown | 1 | x10 | 1% |
| Red | 2 | x100 | 2% |
| Orange | 3 | x1k | |
| Yellow | 4 | x10k | |
| Green | 5 | x100k | 0.5% |
| Blue | 6 | x1M | 0.25% |
| Violet | 7 | x10M | 0.1% |
| Grey | 8 | 0.05% | |
| White | 9 | ||
| Gold | x0.1 | 5% | |
| Silver | x0.01 | 10% |
Reading a resistor
Hold the resistor so the tolerance band (gold or silver) is on the right. 4-band resistors have two digits, a multiplier and tolerance. 5-band resistors add a third digit for higher precision. Check the value with a multimeter when in doubt.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read resistor color bands?
Use the first two (or three) bands as digits, the next as a multiplier and the last as tolerance.
What does gold mean?
As a multiplier it is x0.1; as the last band it is 5% tolerance.
What is the difference between 4 and 5 band?
5-band resistors carry three digits for tighter tolerance.
What is 1 kilohm in colors?
Brown, black, red.
Which end do I start from?
The end opposite the gold or silver tolerance band.
What does tolerance mean?
How far the real value may differ from the marked value.
Sources
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