Resistor Color Code Calculator
Calculate resistor values from color bands or find the color code for a given resistance value. Supports 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors following IEC 60062 standard. Perfect for electronics engineers, hobbyists, and students working with through-hole resistors.
Select Color Bands
Calculated Value
Value to Color Lookup
Enter a resistance value to find the nearest standard resistor and its color code.
Color Code Reference
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance | Temp Coef |
|---|---|---|---|---|
black | 0 | ×1 | — | 250 ppm/°C |
brown | 1 | ×10 | ±1% | 100 ppm/°C |
red | 2 | ×100 | ±2% | 50 ppm/°C |
orange | 3 | ×1,000 | ±0.05% | 15 ppm/°C |
yellow | 4 | ×10,000 | ±0.02% | 25 ppm/°C |
green | 5 | ×100,000 | ±0.5% | 20 ppm/°C |
blue | 6 | ×1,000,000 | ±0.25% | 10 ppm/°C |
violet | 7 | ×10,000,000 | ±0.1% | 5 ppm/°C |
gray | 8 | ×100,000,000 | ±0.01% | 1 ppm/°C |
white | 9 | ×1,000,000,000 | — | — |
gold | — | ×0.1 | ±5% | — |
silver | — | ×0.01 | ±10% | — |
How to Read Resistor Color Codes
Resistors use colored bands to indicate their resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes temperature coefficient. This system was developed because printed numbers would be too small to read on tiny components.
4-Band Value: 4-Band Resistors: The most common type. First two bands are significant digits, third band is the multiplier, and fourth band is tolerance.
5-Band Value: 5-Band Resistors: More precise with three significant digits. Used in applications requiring tighter tolerances.
6-Band Value: 6-Band Resistors: Include all information from 5-band plus a temperature coefficient band for precision applications.
Reading Direction: Start from the end with bands grouped closer together. The tolerance band (often gold or silver) is usually set apart from the others with a larger gap.
How to Read Resistor Color Codes
- Identify the number of bands (4, 5, or 6 bands)
- Start reading from the end with bands grouped closer together
- First 2-3 bands are significant digits (depending on band count)
- Next band is the multiplier (determines the order of magnitude)
- Tolerance band (usually gold or silver) indicates accuracy
- 6-band resistors include a temperature coefficient band
Common Examples
4-Band Resistor: Brown-Black-Red-Gold
Brown (1), Black (0), Red (×100), Gold (±5%). Result: 1,000Ω (1kΩ) ±5% tolerance.
5-Band Resistor: Red-Red-Black-Brown-Brown
Red (2), Red (2), Black (0), Brown (×10), Brown (±1%). Result: 220Ω ±1% tolerance.
6-Band Resistor: Orange-Orange-Black-Brown-Red-Brown
Orange (3), Orange (3), Black (0), Brown (×10), Red (±2%), Brown (100ppm/°C). Result: 330Ω ±2% with temperature coefficient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reading bands in the wrong direction (start from the end with grouped bands)
- Confusing the multiplier band with significant digits
- Not accounting for tolerance when precision matters
- Mixing up 4-band and 5-band reading methods
- Ignoring temperature coefficient in precision applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Which direction do I read resistor color codes?
Start from the end where bands are grouped closer together. The tolerance band (often gold or silver) is usually separated with a larger gap.
What's the difference between 4, 5, and 6 band resistors?
4-band: 2 significant digits. 5-band: 3 significant digits (more precise). 6-band: Adds temperature coefficient information.
What does tolerance mean?
Tolerance indicates how much the actual resistance can vary from the stated value. Gold = ±5%, Silver = ±10%, Brown = ±1%.
Can I use this calculator for SMD resistors?
No, SMD (Surface Mount Device) resistors use numeric codes, not color bands. This calculator is for through-hole resistors.
What standard does this follow?
This follows IEC 60062 international standard for resistor color coding, used worldwide.