Resistor Color Code Calculator
Select the color bands to decode the resistance value, or enter a value to find its color code. Supports 4, 5, and 6-band resistors.
1st digit
2nd digit
Multiplier
Tolerance
Result
Value → Color Bands
Enter a resistance value (e.g. 4.7k, 1M, 470) and press Enter.
Color Code Reference Table
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance | Temp. coeff. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | ×1 Ω | — | 250 ppm/°C |
| Brown | 1 | ×10 Ω | ±1% | 100 ppm/°C |
| Red | 2 | ×100 Ω | ±2% | 50 ppm/°C |
| Orange | 3 | ×1 kΩ | — | 15 ppm/°C |
| Yellow | 4 | ×10 kΩ | — | 25 ppm/°C |
| Green | 5 | ×100 kΩ | ±0.5% | 20 ppm/°C |
| Blue | 6 | ×1 MΩ | ±0.25% | 10 ppm/°C |
| Violet | 7 | ×10 MΩ | ±0.1% | 5 ppm/°C |
| Grey | 8 | ×100 MΩ | ±0.05% | 1 ppm/°C |
| White | 9 | ×1 GΩ | — | — |
| Gold | — | ×0.1 Ω | ±5% | — |
| Silver | — | ×0.01 Ω | ±10% | — |
How to read resistor color codes
Resistors use colored bands printed on their ceramic body to encode their resistance value, tolerance, and — for precision types — the temperature coefficient. Each color maps to a digit (0–9), a multiplier (×1 Ω to ×1 GΩ), and optionally a tolerance or ppm rating.
4-band resistors
The most common type. Two digit bands + multiplier + tolerance (Gold = ±5%, Silver = ±10%). Found in most general-purpose circuits.
5-band resistors
Precision resistors (±1% or better). Three digit bands allow values like 1.00 kΩ to be expressed unambiguously. Brown tolerance band = ±1%.
6-band resistors
Adds a 6th band for the temperature coefficient (ppm/°C) — how much the resistance drifts with temperature changes. Used in precision and high-reliability designs.
Tip: always read bands left-to-right, starting from the end closest to the first color band. The tolerance band (Gold or Silver) is always on the right with a larger gap from the other bands.