Resistor Color Code Calculator (4-Band & 5-Band)
Decode 4-band and 5-band through-hole resistor color bands into nominal resistance value in Ohms (Ω, kΩ, MΩ), tolerance percentage (±1%, ±5%), and minimum/maximum ranges.
Calculated Results
Frequently Asked Questions
What mnemonic helps memorize the resistor color code order?
The classic electronics mnemonic is: 'Black Bears Rob Our Yummy Green Berries Very Good Wines' (Black = 0, Brown = 1, Red = 2, Orange = 3, Yellow = 4, Green = 5, Blue = 6, Violet = 7, Gray = 8, White = 9).
What is the difference between a 4-band and a 5-band resistor?
A 4-band resistor uses 2 digits, 1 multiplier, and 1 tolerance band (typically ±5% or ±10%). A 5-band precision resistor uses 3 digits, 1 multiplier, and 1 tolerance band (typically ±1% metal film), providing much finer resistance resolution.
How do gold and silver multiplier bands work?
Gold multiplies by 0.1 (10⁻¹) and Silver multiplies by 0.01 (10⁻²). For example, Red (2), Red (2), and Gold multiplier produces 22 × 0.1 = 2.2 Ohms.
How do you know which side of a resistor to read first?
Look for the gap. The tolerance band (usually metallic Gold or Silver) is separated from the other bands by a wider spacing gap. Always position the tolerance band on the right and read the digits starting from the left.