Resistor Color Code Calculator
4-Band Resistor
Decode a 4-band resistor color code
5-Band Resistor
Decode a 5-band resistor color code (precision resistors)
Formula
4-Band: R = (D1×10 + D2) × Multiplier ± Tolerance% | 5-Band: R = (D1×100 + D2×10 + D3) × Multiplier ± Tolerance%
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read a resistor color code?
Read the bands from left to right. For a 4-band resistor: Band 1 is the first digit, Band 2 is the second digit, Band 3 is the multiplier, and Band 4 is the tolerance. For a 5-band resistor, there is an extra digit band before the multiplier.
What is the color code mnemonic?
A common mnemonic is: Black (0), Brown (1), Red (2), Orange (3), Yellow (4), Green (5), Blue (6), Violet (7), Grey (8), White (9). The phrase 'BB ROY of Great Britain has a Very Good Wife' helps remember the order.
What is the difference between 4-band and 5-band resistors?
4-band resistors have two significant digit bands, one multiplier band, and one tolerance band (typically ±5% or ±10%). 5-band resistors add a third significant digit for higher precision (typically ±1% or better).