Resistor Color Code Calculator
Decode 4/5/6-band resistors. Shows nominal value, tolerance range, and (6-band) temperature coefficient. Live preview updates as you choose colors.
Results
What Is a Resistor Color Code Calculator?
A resistor color code calculator is an essential online tool for electronics enthusiasts, engineers, and students. It helps decode the color bands printed on resistors to determine their resistance value, tolerance, and temperature coefficient.
By simply selecting the colors of the bands, the calculator instantly displays the corresponding electrical values — saving time and avoiding manual decoding errors.
Resistors use a color code system standardized by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) to represent ohmic values. Each color corresponds to a specific number, multiplier, or tolerance percentage.
How to Use the Online Resistor Color Code Calculator
Using the resistor color code calculator is simple and fast:
- Select the number of bands – Choose between 4, 5, or 6 color bands.
- Choose the colors – Pick colors for each band (1st digit, 2nd digit, multiplier, and tolerance).
- View the visual resistor preview – The tool shows a realistic resistor image with your selected colors.
- Read the results – The calculator displays nominal resistance, tolerance range, and temperature coefficient (for 6-band resistors).
- Export data – You can download the results in CSV or JSON format for record-keeping.
This intuitive design eliminates guesswork and ensures accuracy for anyone identifying resistor values from physical components.
How Resistor Color Codes Work
4-Band Resistors A 4-band resistor typically includes:
- Band 1 & 2: The first and second digits of resistance.
- Band 3: Multiplier (power of ten).
- Band 4: Tolerance (accuracy range).
5-Band and 6-Band Resistors
- 5-band resistors provide three digits before the multiplier, allowing for more precise values.
- 6-band resistors add an extra band for temperature coefficient, which measures resistance variation with temperature changes.
Example:
If the bands are Brown, Black, Red, Gold, the resistance is 1 kΩ ±5%.
Example Calculations
| Bands | Resistance | Tolerance | Description |
| Brown, Black, Red, Gold | 1 kΩ | ±5% | Common general-purpose resistor |
| Red, Violet, Yellow, Gold | 270 kΩ | ±5% | High resistance resistor |
| Green, Blue, Black, Brown, Brown | 56.0 Ω | ±1% | Precision resistor |
Benefits of Using the Calculator
- Fast & accurate decoding – No need to memorize color charts.
- Supports 4-, 5-, and 6-band resistors.
- Mobile-friendly interface – Works on all devices.
- Downloadable results – CSV or JSON export options.
- Interactive preview – See resistor colors update in real time.
Common Color Band Chart
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | x1 | – |
| Brown | 1 | x10 | ±1% |
| Red | 2 | x100 | ±2% |
| Orange | 3 | x1,000 | – |
| Yellow | 4 | x10,000 | – |
| Green | 5 | x100,000 | ±0.5% |
| Blue | 6 | x1,000,000 | ±0.25% |
| Violet | 7 | x10,000,000 | ±0.1% |
| Grey | 8 | – | ±0.05% |
| White | 9 | – | – |
| Gold | – | x0.1 | ±5% |
| Silver | – | x0.01 | ±10% |
FAQ
A resistor color code is a standardized system where each color band represents digits, multipliers, and tolerance levels to express a resistor’s resistance value.
It’s 100% accurate based on the EIA color code standard and instantly updates as you select colors.
4-band resistors show basic values; 5-band resistors are for precision circuits, and 6-band resistors include temperature coefficient data.
Yes, the tolerance band (usually gold or silver) is automatically factored into the results.
Yes, it’s fully responsive and optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Conclusion
The Resistor Color Code Calculator is an indispensable tool for electronics hobbyists and engineers. It simplifies resistor identification, prevents costly mistakes, and saves time when designing or repairing circuits. Try it now to decode resistor values with just a few clicks.
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