🧮PantoCalc

🔧 Resistor Color Code Calculator

Decode resistor color bands to resistance value

Resistance

1.00 kOhms ±5%

Step-by-step

  1. 1.Significant digits: Brown(1) Black(0) = 10
  2. 2.Multiplier: Red = ×100
  3. 3.Resistance = 10 × 100 = 1.00 kOhms
  4. 4.Tolerance: Gold = ±5%

How Resistor Color Codes Work

  1. 1Each color band on a resistor represents a digit or multiplier.
  2. 2The first two (or three) bands are significant digits.
  3. 3The next band is the multiplier (power of 10).
  4. 4The last band indicates tolerance (gold = ±5%, silver = ±10%).
  5. 5For reverse lookup, enter a resistance value to see the corresponding color bands.

About Resistor Color Code Calculator

Decode resistor color bands to find resistance value and tolerance. Supports 4-band and 5-band resistors. Also reverse-lookup: enter a value to see the colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I read a 4-band resistor?

Band 1 = first digit, Band 2 = second digit, Band 3 = multiplier, Band 4 = tolerance. For example: Brown-Black-Red-Gold = 10 × 100 = 1000Ω ±5%.

What is the difference between 4-band and 5-band?

5-band resistors have an extra significant digit for higher precision. Band 1-3 are digits, Band 4 is the multiplier, Band 5 is tolerance. They're used in precision circuits.

How do I remember the color order?

A common mnemonic: 'Better Be Right Or Your Great Big Venture Goes Wrong' — Black(0), Brown(1), Red(2), Orange(3), Yellow(4), Green(5), Blue(6), Violet(7), Grey(8), White(9).