Resistor value to color code
Handy when hunting for a specific value in a parts drawer or ordering replacements.
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How to use it
- Enter resistance, number of bands and tolerance band.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
The value is written as two (or three) digits × 10^n; the digits give the first band colors and n gives the multiplier color (−1 gold, −2 silver).
Example
Inputs: Resistance = 4,700 Ω, Number of bands = 4 bands, Tolerance band = Gold ±5%. Result: Colors in order: Yellow, Violet, Red, Gold; Value: 4.7 kΩ ±5%; Bands printed: 4.
Limits and caveats
- The value must fit two significant digits (4 bands) or three (5 bands); a value like 4750 Ω needs 5 bands.
- A valid color code does not mean the part is sold; common values follow the E12, E24 and E96 series.
Questions about this tool
What are the colors of a 10 kΩ resistor?
In 4 bands: brown, black, orange, then tolerance (gold for 5%). In 5 bands: brown, black, black, red, then tolerance.
Why do some values give an error?
The 4-band system only holds two digits. A value of 4750 needs three digits, so choose 5 bands.
What if I choose no tolerance band?
Only three bands are shown, which means ±20% tolerance in the standard code.