Resistor Color Code Calculator
Decode 4-band and 5-band resistor color codes instantly. Select each band color to read resistance value, tolerance, and min/max range.
Last updated: May 2026
← digit bands — multiplier — tolerance →
Color code reference table
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | ×1 | — |
| Brown | 1 | ×10 | ±1% |
| Red | 2 | ×100 | ±2% |
| Orange | 3 | ×1 kΩ | — |
| Yellow | 4 | ×10 kΩ | — |
| Green | 5 | ×100 kΩ | ±0.5% |
| Blue | 6 | ×1 MΩ | ±0.25% |
| Violet | 7 | ×10 MΩ | ±0.1% |
| Grey | 8 | ×100 MΩ | ±0.05% |
| White | 9 | ×1 GΩ | — |
| Gold | — | ×0.1 | ±5% |
| Silver | — | ×0.01 | ±10% |
| None | — | — | ±20% |
Frequently asked questions
How do I read a 4-band resistor?
Hold the resistor so the tolerance band (gold or silver) is on the right. Read left to right: Band 1 = first digit, Band 2 = second digit, Band 3 = multiplier, Band 4 = tolerance. Example: Brown–Black–Red–Gold = 1, 0, ×100, ±5% = 1,000 Ω = 1 kΩ ±5%.
How do I tell a 4-band from a 5-band resistor?
5-band resistors usually have a brown body (rather than the tan/beige of standard 4-band resistors) and the tolerance band is often brown (±1%) or red (±2%). The bands also look more evenly spaced. If you count five distinct color rings, it is a 5-band precision resistor.
Which end do I start reading from?
Start from the end closest to a band — that side has the first digit. Gold and silver bands are never digit bands, so if one end has gold or silver, that is the tolerance end and you read from the opposite side. On 5-band resistors, the tolerance band is often spaced farther from the others as a visual guide.
What is the E12 and E24 series?
Standard resistors only come in preferred values from the E12 (12 per decade) or E24 (24 per decade) series. E12 covers: 10, 12, 15, 18, 22, 27, 33, 39, 47, 56, 68, 82 (and ×10 multiples). E24 adds values like 11, 13, 16, 20, 24, etc. If your calculation gives 463 Ω, the nearest E12 value is 470 Ω — round up to reduce current slightly, which is safer for LEDs and power components.
Why does the actual resistor read differently from the code?
All resistors have a tolerance — a ±5% gold-band 1 kΩ resistor can measure anywhere from 950 Ω to 1,050 Ω and still be in spec. Temperature also affects resistance slightly. For critical designs, use 1% or better (5-band) resistors and measure with a multimeter on the bench before soldering.