Resistor Color Code Calculator

Determining Resistor Values From The Color Code

Resistor Overview

For very small electronic components, a color code is used instead of printed text. This color code indicates the value, rating, and tolerance. Resistors have standard colors for their identification of the resistance. The printed colors give an accurate representation of the value of the resistor.

LED Series Dropping Resistor

Resistors play an extremely important role in powering LEDs. LEDs are sensitive to over-current situations and the resistor allows for proper current flow in LED circuits. See our detailed page on selecting resistors for LED circuits.

Resistors can have 3, 4, 5, or 6 color bands printed on them. The first 3 or 4 bands give the basic value in ohms, of the resistor. A 5 band resistor is more precise compared to a 4 band because of the inclusion of a third significant digit. A 6-band resistor is like a 5-band but includes a temperature coefficient band.

Reading and Determining the Resistor Value

Hold the resistor with the gold or silver band to the right and read the color codes from the left to the right.

Select the color codes from the bands on the resistor. Read the colors from left to right. The resistance value based on the color code provided is now displayed.