Resistor Color Band Calculator
Select color bands to calculate the resistance value (Ω) and tolerance.
Category: Life Tools
When to use?
Read color bands on a resistor to determine its exact value.
How to use
- Select 4-band or 5-band mode.
- Choose colors in order.
- See the calculated resistance and tolerance.
Input Explanation
Select the color of each band from the sequence on the resistor body.
Calculation Basis
Decodes values based on standard EIA color band definitions where each color represents a digit, multiplier, or tolerance.
Usage Examples
- Read resistor values - Quickly decode resistance from color bands.
- Circuit verification - Confirm component values before soldering.
Examples
- Select 'Brown-Black-Red-Gold' for a 4-band resistor to get 1,000 Ω (1kΩ) with ±5% tolerance
- Select 'Yellow-Violet-Black-Orange-Brown' for a 5-band resistor to get 470 kΩ with ±1% tolerance
Cautions
- Ensure you read the bands from left to right; the tolerance band (usually gold, silver, or wider gap) should be positioned on the far right.
FAQ
4-band vs 5-band?
5-band resistors have 3 significant digits for higher precision.
What are gold/silver bands?
Gold = ×0.1 multiplier or ±5% tolerance; Silver = ×0.01 or ±10%.
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