Resistor Color Code Calculator

3-Band Resistors (Value, Value, Multiplier)

These are the simplest type of resistors, typically used in less critical applications. They feature three color bands: the first two bands represent the significant digits of the resistance value, and the third band acts as the multiplier.

For 3-band resistors, there is no explicit tolerance band; by default, the tolerance is assumed to be ±20%.

Our calculator processes 3-band resistors by taking the first two digits and multiplying them by the third band's factor, thereby providing the resistance value. For example, a 3-band resistor with colors Red, Violet, Orange would be 2 (Red) 7 (Violet) × 1,000 (Orange) = 27,000 Ohms or 27 kOhms, with an assumed ±20% tolerance.

4-Band Resistors (Value, Value, Multiplier, Tolerance)

This is the most common type of resistor. 4-band resistors include the first two significant digits, a multiplier, and a dedicated tolerance band.

The additional tolerance band, typically Gold (±5%) or Silver (±10%), offers a clearer indication of the resistor's precision.

Our calculator precisely interprets these four bands to give you both the resistance value and its tolerance. For instance, a 4-band resistor with Yellow, Violet, Red, Gold would translate to 4 (Yellow) 7 (Violet) × 100 (Red) = 4,700 Ohms or 4.7 kOhms, with a ±5% (Gold) tolerance. This is a very popular value for many electronic circuits, including those that require a 10k resistor color code or a 22k resistor color code which also follow this common 4-band structure.

5-Band Resistors (Value, Value, Value, Multiplier, Tolerance)

Designed for higher precision applications, 5-band resistors feature three significant digits, followed by a multiplier and a tolerance band. The extra significant digit allows for more granular resistance values.

These resistors typically have tighter tolerances such as ±1% (Brown), ±0.5% (Green), ±0.25% (Blue), or ±0.1% (Violet).

Our calculator accurately deciphers these five bands to provide a highly precise resistance and tolerance value. For example, a 5-band resistor with Red, Black, Black, Brown, Red would be 2 (Red) 0 (Black) 0 (Black) × 10 (Brown) = 2,000 Ohms or 2 kOhms, with a ±2% (Red) tolerance. This level of precision is often needed in sensitive analog circuits and measurement equipment.

6-Band Resistors (Value, Value, Value, Multiplier, Tolerance, Temperature Coefficient)

The most advanced type of resistor color code, 6-band resistors are essentially 5-band resistors with an additional sixth band.

This final band indicates the temperature coefficient (TC) of the resistor, which is expressed in parts per million per degree Celsius (ppm/°C). The temperature coefficient describes how much the resistance value changes with every degree Celsius change in temperature.

These resistors are crucial for highly stable and precise applications where temperature fluctuations could significantly impact circuit performance, such as in scientific instruments, medical devices, and high-fidelity audio equipment. Our calculator provides the temperature coefficient along with the resistance and tolerance.

For example, a 6-band resistor with Green, Blue, Black, Red, Brown, Black would be 5 (Green) 6 (Blue) 0 (Black) × 100 (Red) = 56,000 Ohms or 56 kOhms, with a ±1% (Brown) tolerance and a temperature coefficient of 250 ppm/°C (Black). This ensures that designers can account for environmental changes, maintaining circuit accuracy even under varying thermal conditions.

No matter the number of bands, our Resistor Color Code Calculator provides an accurate and quick way to determine resistor values, making your electronics projects and troubleshooting tasks much simpler and more efficient. Whether you're dealing with common 4-band resistors for everyday projects (including those requiring a 10k resistor color code or 22k resistor color code) or highly specialized 6-band components for precision applications, our tool is designed to meet your needs.