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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.

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Understanding Resistor Color Coding Systems

4-Band System

Most common system for standard resistors with ±5% and ±10% tolerance.

Band 1: First digit
Band 2: Second digit
Band 3: Multiplier
Band 4: Tolerance

Example: Brown-Red-Orange-Gold

= 12 × 1000 = 12KΩ ±5%

5-Band System

Precision resistors with three significant digits for higher accuracy.

Band 1: First digit
Band 2: Second digit
Band 3: Third digit
Band 4: Multiplier
Band 5: Tolerance

Example: Brown-Red-Green-Orange-Gold

= 125 × 1000 = 125KΩ ±5%

6-Band System

High-precision resistors with temperature coefficient specification.

Band 1: First digit
Band 2: Second digit
Band 3: Third digit
Band 4: Multiplier
Band 5: Tolerance
Band 6: Temp. Coeff.

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

472

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. 1

    Identify the orientation

    Find the tolerance band (usually gold or silver) - this should be on the right side.

  2. 2

    Read from left to right

    Start from the band closest to one end (opposite the tolerance band).

  3. 3

    Determine the value

    Use the first 2-3 bands for significant digits, then apply the multiplier.

  4. 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.