Resistor Color Code Calculator
Decode 4-band and 5-band resistor color codes to resistance, tolerance, and value ranges.
Resistor Value
What is the Resistor Color Code Calculator?
The Resistor Color Code Calculator decodes the colored bands on through-hole resistors into their electrical resistance value and tolerance. It supports the most common 4-band and 5-band formats used in electronics.
How to Use
- Select the 4-Band or 5-Band tab to match your resistor.
- Click the color swatches for each band to match the colors on your resistor from left to right.
- Click Calculate Resistance to see the ohm value, tolerance, and acceptable range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read resistor color codes?
Hold the resistor so the tolerance band (usually gold or silver) is on the right. Read the bands from left to right. The first two or three bands are digits, the next is a multiplier, and the last is tolerance.
What is the difference between 4-band and 5-band resistors?
4-band resistors provide two significant digits, a multiplier, and a tolerance. 5-band resistors provide three significant digits for greater precision, plus a multiplier and tolerance.
What do gold and silver bands mean?
Gold and silver typically appear as multiplier or tolerance bands. As multipliers, gold means ×0.1 and silver means ×0.01. As tolerance, gold means ±5% and silver means ±10%.
Can this calculator handle 6-band resistors?
This tool focuses on 4-band and 5-band resistors, which cover the vast majority of common components. A 6th band indicates temperature coefficient and is not currently included.