Resistor Color Code Table And Calculator

This converter requires the use of Javascript enabled and capable browsers. For operational and other information, and for those unable to use the calculator because of browser limitations, there is a table below the calculator and additional information below the table. For those in the electronics business that are color blind (as I am), working with resistors and color coded capacitors can be difficult. This table names (as well as shows) the colors and the values. To use the calculator, select a value from the vertical group of Color Band 1, from Color Band 2 and from Color Band 3. Immediately to the left of the Calculate Values button below the three bands, there are three boxes that upon selection of a color from the bands, an identifying number and color will correspond in appearance. After selecting a value from all three bands, click on Calculate Values and the resistor's value is calculated and will appear as well as a text representation of the three bands. This calculator does not consider the 4th Band, tolerance, since it would not change the calculation. You may change a value by again clicking on the band values from any of the three bands but be sure to click on Calculate Values after each selection to update the correct information of resistor value and color band text representation.

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Band Color Options            Band #1              Band #2       Band #3      MultiplierValue For Band 3  Band #4 ValueTolerance Black 0 1 1 Brown 1 1 1 10 Red 2 2 2 100 Orange 3 3 3 1,000 Yellow 4 4 4 10,000 Green 5 5 5 100,000 Blue 6 6 6 1,000,000 Violet 7 7 10,000,000 Gray 8 8 100,000,000 White 9 9 1,000,000,000 None 20% Silver 10% Gold 5%

The resistor color code is a long standing standard in both the electronics and electrical industries, indicating the value of resistance of a resistor. Resistance is measured in ohms and there is a foundation for it called Ohm's Law. (Want to know about Ohm's Law? If so, please click here or click here!) Each color band represents a number and the order of the color band will represent a number value. The first 2 color bands indicate a number. The 3rd color band indicates the multiplier or in other words the number of zeros. The fourth band indicates the tolerance of the resistor +/- 20%, 10% or 5%. In most cases, there are 4 color bands. However, certain precision resistors have 5 bands or have the values written on them, refining the tolerance value even more. There is no standard (TANS) however, for the 5th band. From one manufacturing company to another, the 5th band may indicate 2%, 1%, 1/2% or even closer, according to their own standards. Color bands are usually found on resistors that have a wattage value of 1/8 to 2 watts; though it is rare, there are some 5 watt resistors that are banded. There are also some capacitors that are color coded. See our Capacitor Color Code Calculator.