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Resistor Color Code Calculator

Read 4-, 5- and 6-band resistor colour codes as a value, tolerance and temperature coefficient.

Number of bands

Result

Resistance

4.7 kΩ±5%

Range
4.465 kΩ – 4.935 kΩ
Bands
Yellow, Violet, Red, Gold

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How the Resistor Color Code Calculator works

Resistors show their value with coloured bands (IEC 60062). Choose 4, 5 or 6 bands and pick the colours from left to right: the first two or three bands are digits, the next is the multiplier, then the tolerance, and on 6-band resistors a temperature coefficient. The result shows the value, its tolerance range and a drawing of the bands.

Formula

resistance = digits × multiplier

Digits: black 0, brown 1, red 2, orange 3, yellow 4, green 5, blue 6, violet 7, grey 8, white 9. Gold multiplies by 0.1 and silver by 0.01.

Examples

Yellow, violet, red, gold

4 7 × 100 = 4,700 Ω (4.7 kΩ), ±5% — anywhere from 4.465 to 4.935 kΩ.

Brown, black, black, brown, brown

1 0 0 × 10 = 1,000 Ω (1 kΩ), ±1%.

Frequently asked questions

Which end do I start from?

The tolerance band (often gold or silver) is usually set apart at the right; start from the other end.

What does tolerance mean?

How far the real value may differ from the marked value — ±5% for most 4-band resistors, ±1% or better for 5-band ones.

Can I check with a meter?

Yes — measure out of circuit, and expect the reading within the tolerance range.

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