Resistor Color Code Chart
Complete reference charts for 4, 5, and 6-band resistors. Download printable versions for your electronics workbench or classroom. Find resistor values quickly and accurately.
Resistor Color Code Reference Charts
Use these comprehensive color code charts to quickly identify resistor values. Each chart is printable and designed for easy reference in your electronics work.
Need to calculate a specific resistor value?
Use our interactive resistor color code calculator for precise calculations.
4-Band Resistor Color Code Chart
The standard 4-band resistor color code chart for basic resistors. The first two bands indicate significant digits, the third band is the multiplier, and the fourth band indicates tolerance.
| Color | 1st Band (1st Digit) | 2nd Band (2nd Digit) | 3rd Band (Multiplier) | 4th Band (Tolerance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black | 0 | 0 | ×1 | - |
Brown | 1 | 1 | ×10 | ±1% |
Red | 2 | 2 | ×100 | ±2% |
Orange | 3 | 3 | ×1k | - |
Yellow | 4 | 4 | ×10k | - |
Green | 5 | 5 | ×100k | ±0.5% |
Blue | 6 | 6 | ×1M | ±0.25% |
Violet | 7 | 7 | ×10M | ±0.1% |
Grey | 8 | 8 | ×100M | ±0.05% |
White | 9 | 9 | ×1G | - |
Gold | - | - | ×0.1 | ±5% |
Silver | - | - | ×0.01 | ±10% |
Example Calculation
1st band (Brown): 1
2nd band (Black): 0
3rd band (Red): ×100
4th band (Gold): ±5%
Value: 10 × 100 = 1,000Ω = 1kΩ ±5%
5-Band Resistor Color Code Chart
More precise 5-band resistor color code chart used for higher accuracy resistors. The first three bands indicate significant digits, the fourth band is the multiplier, and the fifth band indicates tolerance.
| Color | 1st Band (1st Digit) | 2nd Band (2nd Digit) | 3rd Band (3rd Digit) | 4th Band (Multiplier) | 5th Band (Tolerance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black | 0 | 0 | 0 | ×1 | - |
Brown | 1 | 1 | 1 | ×10 | ±1% |
Red | 2 | 2 | 2 | ×100 | ±2% |
Orange | 3 | 3 | 3 | ×1k | - |
Yellow | 4 | 4 | 4 | ×10k | - |
Green | 5 | 5 | 5 | ×100k | ±0.5% |
Blue | 6 | 6 | 6 | ×1M | ±0.25% |
Violet | 7 | 7 | 7 | ×10M | ±0.1% |
Grey | 8 | 8 | 8 | ×100M | ±0.05% |
White | 9 | 9 | 9 | ×1G | - |
Gold | - | - | - | ×0.1 | ±5% |
Silver | - | - | - | ×0.01 | ±10% |
Example Calculation
1st band (Blue): 6
2nd band (Red): 2
3rd band (Orange): 3
4th band (Yellow): ×10,000
5th band (Brown): ±1%
Value: 623 × 10,000 = 6,230,000Ω = 6.23MΩ ±1%
6-Band Resistor Color Code Chart
High-precision 6-band resistor color code chart. The first three bands indicate significant digits, the fourth band is the multiplier, the fifth band indicates tolerance, and the sixth band indicates the temperature coefficient.
| Color | 1st Band (1st Digit) | 2nd Band (2nd Digit) | 3rd Band (3rd Digit) | 4th Band (Multiplier) | 5th Band (Tolerance) | 6th Band (Temp. Coef.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black | 0 | 0 | 0 | ×1 | - | - |
Brown | 1 | 1 | 1 | ×10 | ±1% | 100ppm/°C |
Red | 2 | 2 | 2 | ×100 | ±2% | 50ppm/°C |
Orange | 3 | 3 | 3 | ×1k | - | 15ppm/°C |
Yellow | 4 | 4 | 4 | ×10k | - | 25ppm/°C |
Green | 5 | 5 | 5 | ×100k | ±0.5% | - |
Blue | 6 | 6 | 6 | ×1M | ±0.25% | 10ppm/°C |
Violet | 7 | 7 | 7 | ×10M | ±0.1% | 5ppm/°C |
Grey | 8 | 8 | 8 | ×100M | ±0.05% | - |
White | 9 | 9 | 9 | ×1G | - | - |
Gold | - | - | - | ×0.1 | ±5% | - |
Silver | - | - | - | ×0.01 | ±10% | - |
Example Calculation
1st band (Yellow): 4
2nd band (Violet): 7
3rd band (Black): 0
4th band (Red): ×100
5th band (Brown): ±1%
6th band (Orange): 15ppm/°C
Value: 470 × 100 = 47,000Ω = 47kΩ ±1% 15ppm/°C
Quick Reference Tables
Print these handy quick reference tables for resistor multipliers, tolerance, and temperature coefficients.
Resistor Multiplier Table
| Color | Multiplier | Multiplication Factor |
|---|---|---|
Black | ×1 | ×100 |
Brown | ×10 | ×101 |
Red | ×100 | ×102 |
Orange | ×1k | ×103 |
Yellow | ×10k | ×104 |
Gold | ×0.1 | ×10-1 |
Silver | ×0.01 | ×10-2 |
Resistor Tolerance Table
| Color | Tolerance | Precision Class |
|---|---|---|
Brown | ±1% | High precision |
Red | ±2% | High precision |
Green | ±0.5% | Ultra-precision |
Blue | ±0.25% | Ultra-precision |
Violet | ±0.1% | Ultra-precision |
Gold | ±5% | Standard |
Silver | ±10% | Standard |
Temperature Coefficient Table (6-Band Resistors)
| Color | Temp. Coefficient | Description |
|---|---|---|
Black | 250 ppm/°C | Higher temperature sensitivity |
Brown | 100 ppm/°C | Standard temperature sensitivity |
Red | 50 ppm/°C | Medium temperature sensitivity |
Orange | 15 ppm/°C | Low temperature sensitivity |
Yellow | 25 ppm/°C | Low-medium temperature sensitivity |
Blue | 10 ppm/°C | Very low temperature sensitivity |
Violet | 5 ppm/°C | Ultra-low temperature sensitivity |
How to Read Resistor Color Codes
A step-by-step guide to reading and interpreting resistor color bands quickly and accurately.
Resistor Orientation
The first step is to orient the resistor correctly:
- Hold the resistor horizontally
- Position it so the gold or silver tolerance band is on the right
- If there's no gold or silver band, look for a band with more separation from the others and place it on the right
- Now read the color bands from left to right
Pro Tip:
If you're unsure about orientation, try reading the resistor both ways and choose the value that makes more sense for your circuit (typically between 1Ω and 22MΩ).
Common Resistor Values
Most resistors follow the E12 or E24 series of preferred values. Here are some common values you'll encounter:
These values repeat with multipliers (×10, ×100, ×1k, etc.), creating a standardized series. If your reading gives an unusual value, double-check your interpretation.
Step-by-Step Reading Process
- Determine the resistor type
Count the number of bands to identify if it's a 4, 5, or 6-band resistor.
- Identify the significant digits
Read the first 2 bands (4-band) or first 3 bands (5 and 6-band) to get the significant digits.
- Apply the multiplier
Use the next band (3rd band for 4-band, 4th band for 5 and 6-band) to determine the multiplier.
- Check the tolerance
The next band indicates tolerance (4th band for 4-band, 5th band for 5 and 6-band).
- Note temperature coefficient (if present)
For 6-band resistors, the last band indicates temperature coefficient.
- Calculate the final value
Combine the significant digits with the multiplier to get the resistance value in ohms.
Common Reading Challenges
Faded or Unclear Bands
If bands are faded or hard to distinguish, use a good light source and magnification. Compare with known resistors or use a multimeter to measure the resistance directly.
Similar Colors
Brown and red or blue and violet can be hard to distinguish. Use a color chart for comparison, or check your result against standard resistor values.
Unusual Orientations
Some manufacturers may use non-standard spacing between bands. If the calculated value seems unusual, try reversing the resistor orientation.
SMD Resistors
Surface-mount resistors use a numeric code instead of color bands. Check ourSMD code referencefor more information.
Common Resistor Applications
Learn about common resistor values and their typical applications in electronic circuits.
| Resistance Value | Color Code (4-band) | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 10Ω | Current limiting for LEDs, low-power load applications | |
| 220Ω | LED current limiting in 5V circuits, simple voltage dividers | |
| 1kΩ | Pull-up/pull-down resistors, general-purpose biasing | |
| 4.7kΩ | Common I²C pull-up resistor, sensor interfaces | |
| 10kΩ | Common pull-up resistor for switches, buttons, voltage dividers | |
| 100kΩ | High-impedance inputs, timing circuits, audio applications | |
| 1MΩ | Oscillator circuits, high-impedance sensing applications |
Note: These are general guidelines. Specific applications may require different values based on circuit design, operating voltage, and other factors.
Features of Our Printable Charts
Our printable resistor color code charts are designed for maximum usability in electronics workshops, labs, classrooms, and hobbyist workbenches.
High-Quality Printing
All charts are optimized for crisp, clear printing on standard paper sizes. Print in color for the best visual reference.
Multiple Formats
Charts are available in PDF, PNG, and printer-friendly formats. Choose what works best for your needs.
Accuracy Verified
All information has been verified against industry standards for complete accuracy.
Recommended Usage
- Workshop Wall: Print and laminate for a permanent reference on your workshop wall
- Project Notebook: Include in your electronics project notebook for quick reference
- Education: Use as handouts for electronics classes or workshops
- Field Work: Keep in your toolkit for on-site electronics work
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I print a resistor color code chart?
To print our resistor color code charts, simply click on the "Download" button below each chart or table. This will open a print-friendly PDF version that you can save or print immediately. For best results, print in color on letter-sized paper (8.5" x 11") or A4 paper. You can laminate the printed chart for durability in workshop environments.
What's the difference between 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors?
4-band resistors have two significant digit bands, a multiplier band, and a tolerance band. They are common in general-purpose applications. 5-band resistors have three significant digit bands, a multiplier band, and a tolerance band, allowing for more precise resistance values. 6-band resistors add a sixth band that indicates the temperature coefficient, showing how the resistance changes with temperature. Higher precision resistors typically use 5 or 6 bands.
How do I read a resistor's tolerance band?
The tolerance band, usually the last band on a resistor (or second-to-last on 6-band resistors), indicates the maximum expected variation in the actual resistance value. Common tolerance bands include: Brown (±1%), Red (±2%), Gold (±5%), and Silver (±10%). For example, a 1kΩ resistor with a gold tolerance band could have an actual resistance between 950Ω and 1050Ω. The tolerance band is typically wider than the other bands and is positioned farther from its neighboring band.
Why are resistor values standardized?
Resistor values are standardized to reduce manufacturing costs and inventory requirements while still providing suitable coverage of resistance values for circuit design. Most resistors follow the E12, E24, or E96 series, which provide 12, 24, or 96 values per decade, respectively. These series are logarithmically spaced to provide more uniform relative tolerance between adjacent values. Standardization also makes it easier to identify common values and replace components in circuits.
What does the temperature coefficient band mean?
The temperature coefficient band (TCR), found on 6-band resistors, indicates how much the resistance value changes with temperature, measured in parts per million per degree Celsius (ppm/°C). Lower values indicate more stable resistors. For example, a 15 ppm/°C coefficient means the resistance will change by 0.0015% for each degree of temperature change. This is important in precision applications where temperature fluctuations could affect circuit performance. Common temperature coefficient bands include brown (100 ppm/°C), red (50 ppm/°C), and orange (15 ppm/°C).
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Read Guide →Get Your Free Resistor Color Code Charts Today
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