Resistors Color Code Guide
Master the art of reading resistor color codes with our comprehensive guide. Learn 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band systems for all types of electronic resistors.
LEARN COLOR CODES →Understanding Resistor Color Coding Systems
4-Band System
Most common system for standard resistors with ±5% and ±10% tolerance.
Example: Brown-Red-Orange-Gold
= 12 × 1000 = 12KΩ ±5%
5-Band System
Precision resistors with three significant digits for higher accuracy.
Example: Brown-Red-Green-Orange-Gold
= 125 × 1000 = 125KΩ ±5%
6-Band System
High-precision resistors with temperature coefficient specification.
Example: Brown-Red-Green-Orange-Gold-Brown
= 125KΩ ±5% 100ppm/°C
Types of Resistors and Their Color Codes
Carbon Film Resistors
Most common type for general-purpose applications. Usually 4-band system with ±5% or ±10% tolerance.
- Temperature coefficient: ±200 to ±500 ppm/°C
- Power ratings: 1/8W to 2W
- Resistance range: 1Ω to 10MΩ
Metal Film Resistors
Precision resistors with better stability and accuracy. Often use 5-band system for tighter tolerances.
- Temperature coefficient: ±50 to ±100 ppm/°C
- Tolerances: ±1%, ±2%, ±5%
- Better noise characteristics
Wire Wound Resistors
High-power resistors for applications requiring substantial current handling capability.
- Power ratings: 1W to 100W or more
- Excellent heat dissipation
- Low resistance values typically
Surface Mount Resistors
Modern SMD resistors use numerical codes instead of color bands due to their small size.
- 3-digit code: 472 = 47 × 100 = 4.7KΩ
- 4-digit code: 4702 = 470 × 100 = 47KΩ
- Space-efficient for modern electronics
Reading Resistor Color Codes Step by Step
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Identify the orientation
Find the tolerance band (usually gold or silver) - this should be on the right side.
- 2
Read from left to right
Start from the band closest to one end (opposite the tolerance band).
- 3
Determine the value
Use the first 2-3 bands for significant digits, then apply the multiplier.
- 4
Check the tolerance
The last band indicates the precision or tolerance of the resistor value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong Orientation
Always ensure the tolerance band (gold/silver) is on the right before reading.
Color Confusion
Brown and red, orange and yellow can look similar in poor lighting. Use good lighting or a magnifying glass.
Multiplier Misunderstanding
Remember the multiplier is the number of zeros to add, not a direct multiplication factor.
Tolerance Importance
Don't ignore tolerance - it affects the actual value range of your resistor in circuits.
Resistors Color Code FAQ
Why do resistors use color codes instead of printed numbers?
Color codes were adopted because they remain visible regardless of the resistor's orientation in the circuit, unlike printed numbers which could be upside down or sideways. Colors are also more durable than printed text, which could wear off over time or become illegible due to heat or age.
How do I distinguish between 4-band and 5-band resistors?
5-band resistors typically have the first band closer to one end than the tolerance band is to the other end. Additionally, 5-band resistors often have tighter tolerances (±1% or ±2%) indicated by brown or red tolerance bands, while 4-band resistors commonly use gold (±5%) or silver (±10%) tolerance bands.
What should I do if I can't determine the color clearly?
Use better lighting, a magnifying glass, or compare with known resistor values. If color identification remains difficult, use a digital multimeter to measure the actual resistance. Some colors like brown and red, or orange and yellow, can appear similar under certain lighting conditions.
Are there any alternatives to color-coded resistors?
Yes, modern surface-mount resistors use numerical codes instead of colors due to their small size. Precision through-hole resistors sometimes have the value printed directly on them. Some specialized resistors also use alphanumeric codes, especially in high-precision or military applications.
Resistor Calculator
Interactive calculator to convert between resistance values and color codes.
Use Calculator →Complete Color Chart
Comprehensive reference chart with all resistor color codes and standard values.
View Chart →Electronic Components
Color codes for capacitors, inductors, and other electronic components.
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