Resistor Color Code Calculator
Decode resistor color bands or find the perfect colors for your target resistance
Color to Value
Value to Color
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Resistor Color Code Reference
Color Codes (Bands 1-2-3)
| Color | Digit |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Brown | 1 |
| Red | 2 |
| Orange | 3 |
| Yellow | 4 |
| Green | 5 |
| Blue | 6 |
| Violet | 7 |
| Grey | 8 |
| White | 9 |
Multiplier (Band 3 or 4)
| Color | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Black | ×1 |
| Brown | ×10 |
| Red | ×100 |
| Orange | ×1,000 |
| Yellow | ×10,000 |
| Green | ×100,000 |
| Blue | ×1,000,000 |
| Gold | ×0.1 |
| Silver | ×0.01 |
Tolerance (Band 4 or 5)
| Color | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Brown | ±1% |
| Red | ±2% |
| Green | ±0.5% |
| Blue | ±0.25% |
| Violet | ±0.1% |
| Grey | ±0.05% |
| Gold | ±5% |
| Silver | ±10% |
Temperature Coefficient (Band 6)
| Color | ppm/°C |
|---|---|
| Brown | 100 |
| Red | 50 |
| Orange | 15 |
| Yellow | 25 |
| Blue | 10 |
| Violet | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Reading a resistor color code involves identifying the bands from left to right:
- 4-band resistors: First two bands represent the first two digits, third band is the multiplier, and fourth band indicates tolerance.
- 5-band resistors: First three bands represent the first three digits, fourth band is the multiplier, and fifth band indicates tolerance.
- 6-band resistors: First three bands represent the first three digits, fourth band is the multiplier, fifth band indicates tolerance, and sixth band represents the temperature coefficient.
Our calculator above handles all the calculations automatically once you select the colors!
The tolerance band (typically the last band on 4 and 5-band resistors) indicates how much the actual resistance value might vary from the specified value. For example:
- Gold band: ±5% tolerance
- Silver band: ±10% tolerance
- Brown band: ±1% tolerance
- Red band: ±2% tolerance
A 1kΩ resistor with a gold band means the actual value could be between 950Ω and 1050Ω.
The temperature coefficient (TC) band, found only on 6-band resistors, indicates how much the resistance changes with temperature. It's measured in parts per million per degree Celsius (ppm/°C).
A lower temperature coefficient means the resistor's value remains more stable when temperature changes, which is important for precision applications. Common values include:
- Brown: 100 ppm/°C
- Red: 50 ppm/°C
- Orange: 15 ppm/°C
- Yellow: 25 ppm/°C
- Blue: 10 ppm/°C
- Violet: 5 ppm/°C
Our resistor color code calculator is extremely accurate and follows the industry-standard IEC 60062 color coding system. It works for all standard 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors.
This calculator can:
- Convert from color bands to resistance values
- Convert from resistance values to color bands
- Display tolerance percentages
- Show temperature coefficients for 6-band resistors
The tool is regularly updated to ensure accuracy and compliance with current standards.
Resistor bands should be read from left to right, with the tolerance band (typically gold or silver) on the right side. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine the orientation of a resistor.
Here's how to determine the correct direction:
- The tolerance band (gold/silver) is usually placed further from the other bands
- The first band is typically closer to the edge of the resistor
- For 5 and 6-band resistors, the first three bands are usually grouped closer together
If you're unsure, try reading the resistor from both directions and use a multimeter to verify the value.