Electronics
Resistor Color Code Calculator
Quickly translate four or five-band resistor colors into resistance values, tolerance, and temperature coefficient.
Decode 4- or 5-band resistors with tolerance and optional temperature coefficient.
Band interpretation
Digits come from the first two or three bands, multiplied by the power indicated by the multiplier band. Tolerance and temperature coefficient are read from the final bands.
How to use
- Choose whether the resistor uses 4- or 5-band markings.
- Select each band color from the palettes provided.
- Read the resistance in ohms, tolerance range, and ppm/°C if present.
Example
Input: 5-band: Brown, Black, Black, Red, Brown
Output: Value = 10 kΩ ±1%, Tempco = 100 ppm/°C
FAQ & notes
Does the order of bands matter?
Yes—start from the end closest to the tolerance band (often gold or silver). Enter the colors in that order so the decoded resistance matches the physical part.
Can I enter custom color sets?
The palette follows IEC standards. Extend the lookup tables inside the component if you need rare colors.