Resistor Color Code Calculator
Decode 4, 5, and 6 band resistor color codes to find resistance value and tolerance. Reverse lookup from value to color bands with E12/E24 standard values.
How to Use the Resistor Color Code Calculator
Reading resistor color bands is easy with this step-by-step guide.
Choose Input Mode
Select "Bands Value" to decode a physical resistor, or "Value Bands" to find the color code for a specific resistance.
Select Band Colors or Enter Value
Pick the color of each band from the dropdowns, or type in the resistance value. The resistor visual updates in real time.
Read the Decoded Value
Instantly see the resistance in /k/M with tolerance range. Use the E12/E24 standard value finder for quick selection.
Resistor Color Code Chart
Standard resistor color code reference for 4 and 5 band resistors.
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | 1 | |
| Brown | 1 | 10 | 1% |
| Red | 2 | 100 | 2% |
| Orange | 3 | 1 k | |
| Yellow | 4 | 10 k | |
| Green | 5 | 100 k | |
| Blue | 6 | 1 M | |
| Violet | 7 | 10 M | |
| Gray | 8 | ||
| White | 9 | ||
| Gold | 0.1 | 5% | |
| Silver | 0.01 | 10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about reading resistor color codes.
The first two bands are the significant digits, the third band is the multiplier, and the fourth band is the tolerance. For example, brown-black-red-gold = 1 0 100 = 1000 with 5% tolerance.
4 band resistors have 2 digits, 1 multiplier, and 1 tolerance band. 5 band resistors have 3 digits, 1 multiplier, and 1 tolerance band for higher precision. 6 band resistors add a temperature coefficient band.
E12 and E24 are preferred number series for resistor values. E12 has 12 values per decade (10, 12, 15, 18, 22, 27, 33, 39, 47, 56, 68, 82) and E24 adds 12 more for tighter precision.