Resistor Color Code Calculator
Click the colour bands on the resistor to read its value, or type a value to see which bands to use. Supports 4, 5, and 6-band resistors with a live visual that updates as you work.
Band count
Mode
Band colors
E-series match
3-digit (e.g. 472 = 4.7 kΩ), 4-digit (e.g. 4702 = 47 kΩ), or EIA-96 (e.g. 01A = 100 Ω)
Bill of Materials
Resistor Color Code Reference
Full color code chart for all 12 colors. The digit column applies to bands 1, 2, and 3. Multiplier is applied after the digits. Tolerance and temperature coefficient only appear in later bands.
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance | Temp. coeff. (ppm/°C) |
|---|
How to read resistor color bands
4-band resistors are the most common type. The first two bands are the first two significant digits, the third band is the multiplier (a power of ten), and the fourth band (usually Gold or Silver) is the tolerance. Gold means 5%, Silver means 10%.
5-band resistors are used for precision resistors (1% tolerance and tighter). Bands 1-3 are significant digits, band 4 is the multiplier, and band 5 is the tolerance. Brown = 1%, Red = 2%, Green = 0.5%.
6-band resistors add a sixth band for the temperature coefficient (how much the resistance changes per degree Celsius). Brown = 100 ppm/C, Red = 50 ppm/C, Orange = 15 ppm/C.
E-series standard values (E12, E24, E48, E96) are the preferred resistance values used in manufacturing. E24 has 24 values per decade and is the most common. If your target resistance isn't an E24 value, this calculator shows the nearest standard value and the percentage difference.
Reading tip: Hold the resistor with the tolerance band (Gold/Silver) to the right. The remaining bands, read left to right, give you the value. If all four bands look like they could be digit colors (none is Gold or Silver), try rotating the resistor 180 degrees.
Resistor color codes and E-series standard values
How to read resistor color bands and decode resistance values
Resistors display their value using color bands printed on the body. A 4-band resistor is most common: the first two bands are significant digits, the third band is the multiplier (a power of ten), and the fourth band (Gold or Silver) is the tolerance. For example, Brown-Black-Red-Gold reads as 1, 0 × 100 Ω ± 5% = 1,000 Ω or 1 kΩ with 5% tolerance. Always hold the resistor with the tolerance band (Gold/Silver for 4-band) to the right and read left-to-right. If all bands look like digit colors (none is Gold/Silver), rotate 180 degrees. Precision resistors use 5 or 6 bands: bands 1-3 are digits, band 4 is multiplier, band 5 is tolerance, and band 6 (if present) is temperature coefficient, indicating how much resistance changes per degree Celsius.
E-series standards and finding the nearest preferred value
Resistors come in standard "E-series" values: E12, E24, E48, E96, and E192 represent 12, 24, 48, 96, and 192 preferred values per decade (powers of 10). E24 is most common in consumer electronics. If you need a 1,234 Ω resistor but that exact value doesn't exist in E24, the calculator finds the nearest standard value (typically 1,200 Ω or 1,300 Ω) and shows the error percentage. Designers use preferred values for consistency, maintainability, and cost - stocking fewer unique values reduces inventory. If your circuit absolutely requires a non-standard value, use a trimmer potentiometer or combine resistors in series or parallel.
FAQ
What does the tolerance (Gold, Silver, Brown) band mean?
Tolerance is the manufacturing accuracy guarantee. Gold = ± 5%, Silver = ± 10%, Brown = ± 1%. A 1 kΩ ± 5% resistor could be anywhere from 950 Ω to 1,050 Ω. For precision circuits (audio amplifiers, measurement instruments), use 1% or tighter tolerances. For general-purpose circuits, 5% or 10% is acceptable and cheaper.
Can I substitute a resistor with a nearby value?
Sometimes. In non-critical applications (LED current limiting, biasing), ±10% substitution is usually fine. In precision circuits (filters, amplifiers, sensors), no - use the exact value or the nearest E-series preferred value calculated by the circuit designer. When in doubt, consult the schematic or design guide.
Why are there different E-series (E12, E24, E48)?
E12 provides 12 values per decade - coarse spacing. E24 doubles that for tighter value availability. E48, E96, E192 are for precision applications. Higher E-series values cost more to stock and are rarer in consumer projects. E24 is the sweet spot for hobby and professional electronics - fine resolution without excessive cost.