Resistor Color Code Calculator
Resistance
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Tolerance Range
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Reading Resistor Color Codes
Resistors use colored bands to indicate value. 4-band: two digits, multiplier, tolerance. 5-band: three digits, multiplier, tolerance.
Color sequence: Black=0, Brown=1, Red=2, Orange=3, Yellow=4, Green=5, Blue=6, Violet=7, Grey=8, White=9.
Tolerance band shows acceptable range. A 1k ohm resistor with 5% tolerance ranges from 950 to 1050 ohms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which end to read from?
The tolerance band (gold/silver) is on the right. Start reading from the opposite end.
4 vs 5 band resistors?
4-band has 2 significant digits. 5-band has 3 digits for more precision, common in 1% tolerance resistors.
What does tolerance mean?
The range of actual resistance. Gold (5%) on 100 ohms means 95-105 ohms.
Are there 6-band resistors?
Yes, the 6th band shows temperature coefficient (ppm/C). Used in high-precision applications.