Resistor Color Code Calculator
Calculate resistor values using color bands or find the color bands for a specific resistance value.
Color Bands
Resistance Value
Calculated Result
0.00 Ω ±1%
Resistance range: 0.00 Ω to 0.00 Ω
Resistor Visualization
Understanding Resistor Color Codes
Resistor values are indicated by colored bands that represent numbers and multipliers:
Color Values (1st-3rd Bands)
- Black = 0
- Brown = 1
- Red = 2
- Orange = 3
- Yellow = 4
- Green = 5
- Blue = 6
- Violet = 7
- Gray = 8
- White = 9
Multiplier (4th Band)
The fourth band is the multiplier:
- Black: ×1 Ω
- Brown: ×10 Ω
- Red: ×100 Ω
- Orange: ×1 kΩ
- Yellow: ×10 kΩ
- Green: ×100 kΩ
- Blue: ×1 MΩ
- Violet: ×10 MΩ
Tolerance (5th Band)
- Brown: ±1%
- Red: ±2%
- Green: ±0.5%
- Blue: ±0.25%
- Violet: ±0.1%
- Gray: ±0.05%
- Gold: ±5%
- Silver: ±10%
Reading Resistor Color Codes
How to Read Resistor Color Codes
Example: Brown-Black-Red-Gold
1st Band (Brown) = 1 2nd Band (Black) = 0 3rd Band (Red) = ×100 4th Band (Gold) = ±5% Result: 1.0 kΩ ±5%
Example: Green-primary-Yellow-Silver
1st Band (Green) = 5 2nd Band (Blue) = 6 3rd Band (Yellow) = ×10k 4th Band (Silver) = ±10% Result: 560 kΩ ±10%
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong Reading Direction
Always read from the band closest to the edge. Gold/silver bands are typically on the right.
Confusing Similar Colors
Brown/red and blue/violet can look similar. Use good lighting and a magnifier if needed.
Tips for Success
Use Good Lighting
Natural daylight or bright white light works best for color identification.
Double Check
Verify readings with a multimeter for critical applications.
Standard Values
Most resistors follow the E12 or E24 series of standard values.
Common Standard Values
E12 Series (±10% tolerance) standard values:
These values repeat for each decade (×10, ×100, ×1k, etc.)