Free Resistor Color Code Calculator Tool

Understanding the resistor color code is essential for reading resistor values accurately. This calculator instantly converts standard color bands into resistance, tolerance, and temperature coefficient values—no memorization required.

The Free Resistor Color Code Calculator helps engineers, students, and electronics hobbyists instantly decode resistor color bands into accurate resistance values. Simply select the color bands on your resistor, and the tool will automatically calculate the resistance, tolerance, and temperature coefficient (TCR) when applicable.

Designed for speed and accuracy, this calculator supports 3-band, 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors, automatically converting color codes into resistance, tolerance, and temperature coefficient (TCR) values in ohms (Ω), kilo-ohms (kΩ), and mega-ohms (MΩ). So It is ideal for both basic electronics learning and professional design work. Whether you are troubleshooting a circuit, verifying component values, or learning resistor fundamentals, this tool eliminates guesswork and reduces calculation errors.

No downloads or registration required—this online calculator works directly in your browser and follows industry-standard resistor color code conventions for reliable results. Whether you are verifying a component, learning how resistor color codes work, or troubleshooting a circuit, this tool eliminates manual charts and reduces calculation errors.

Why Use an Online Resistor Color Code Calculator?

Reading resistor color codes manually can be confusing—especially with 5-band and 6-band precision resistors. Misreading a single color band can lead to incorrect resistance values, which may cause circuit malfunction or component damage.

This online calculator ensures:

• Compliance with IEC 60062 resistor color code standards
• Accurate resistor value calculation
• Support for multiple resistor band types
• Instant results without memorization

Guide: How to Use the Resistor Color Code Calculator

If you’re learning how to read resistor color codes, this tool provides a simple, visual way to understand how each color band translates into a numerical value and multiplier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select the number of bands
   Choose whether your resistor has 4, 5, or 6 color bands.
2. Choose each color band
   Use the dropdown menus to select the colors printed on your resistor, starting from the band closest to one end.
3. View instant results
   The calculator automatically displays:
   • Resistance value (Ω, kΩ, MΩ)
   • Tolerance (%)
   • Temperature coefficient (ppm/°C), if applicable
4. Verify or document your component
   Use the calculated value to confirm component specs or for circuit documentation.

This tool works directly in your browser—no downloads or registration required.

Quick Resistor Color Code Examples

If you are searching for specific resistor values such as 100 ohm resistor color code, 10k resistor color code, or 4.7k resistor color code, this calculator allows you to instantly convert resistance values into accurate color band combinations for 3-band, 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors.

Below are commonly searched resistor values and their color codes, helping cover a wide range of real-world use cases and search intent.

Common 4-Band Resistor Color Codes

• 100 Ω: Brown – Black – Brown – Gold
• 220 Ω: Red – Red – Brown – Gold
• 330 Ω: Orange – Orange – Brown – Gold
• 470 Ω: Yellow – Violet – Brown – Gold
• 1 kΩ: Brown – Black – Red – Gold
• 2.2 kΩ: Red – Red – Red – Gold
• 3.3 kΩ: Orange – Orange – Red – Gold
• 4.7 kΩ: Yellow – Violet – Red – Gold
• 10 kΩ: Brown – Black – Orange – Gold
• 22 kΩ: Red – Red – Orange – Gold
• 33 kΩ: Orange – Orange – Orange – Gold
• 47 kΩ: Yellow – Violet – Orange – Gold
• 100 kΩ: Brown – Black – Yellow – Gold
• 1 MΩ: Brown – Black – Green – Gold
• 10 MΩ: Brown – Black – Blue – Gold

Common 5-Band Resistor Color Codes

• 100 ohm resistor color code 5 band → Brown – Black – Black – Black – Brown
• 220 ohm resistor color code 5 band → Red – Red – Black – Black – Brown
• 1k resistor color code 5 band → Brown – Black – Black – Brown – Brown
• 2.2k resistor color code 5 band → Red – Red – Black – Brown – Brown
• 4.7k resistor color code 5 band → Yellow – Violet – Black – Brown – Brown
• 10k resistor color code 5 band → Brown – Black – Black – Red – Brown
• 47k resistor color code 5 band → Yellow – Violet – Black – Red – Brown
• 100k resistor color code 5 band → Brown – Black – Black – Orange – Brown
• 1M resistor color code 5 band → Brown – Black – Black – Yellow – Brown

Example: Calculating a 10 kΩ Resistor (4-Band)

• Bands: Brown – Black – Orange – Red
• Digits: 1, 0
• Multiplier: ×1,000
• Tolerance: ±2%
  ✅ Result: 10 kΩ ±2%

FAQ About Resistor Color Code

What is a resistor color code?

A resistor color code is a standardized system of colored bands printed on resistors to indicate their resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes temperature coefficient. Each color represents a specific number or multiplier.

How do I calculate resistor values using color bands?

You calculate resistor values by reading the color bands from left to right and converting them into numbers based on the resistor color code chart. This calculator automates the process and provides instant results.

Does this tool support 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors?

Yes. The Free Resistor Color Code Calculator supports 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors, including tolerance and temperature coefficient (TCR) where applicable.

Is this resistor calculator accurate?

Yes. The calculator follows international resistor color code standards (IEC 60062) to ensure accurate resistance, tolerance, and TCR calculations.

Can beginners use this resistor color code calculator?

Absolutely. This resistor color code calculator tool is designed for students, beginners, hobbyists, and professional engineers, requiring no prior calculations or memorization to quickly decode 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors with precision. Ideal for circuit design, troubleshooting, and component verification.

Introduction to Resistors

A resistor is a passive electronic component used to limit or regulate the flow of electric current in a circuit. Resistors are typically small components with two leads and are manufactured to provide a precise resistance value.

Resistor values can range from less than 1 Ω to over 20 MΩ, and they are generally classified as:

• Fixed resistors
• Variable resistors

Common fixed resistor types include:

• Carbon composition resistors
• Film resistors
• Wire-wound resistors
• Surface-mount (SMD) resistors

Overview of Resistor Color Bands

Depending on accuracy and application requirements, resistors may have different numbers of color bands:

• 3-band: Two digits + multiplier (20% tolerance)
• 4-band: Two digits + multiplier + tolerance
• 5-band: Three digits + multiplier + tolerance
• 6-band: Five-band format + temperature coefficient

Each band position determines whether the color represents a digit, multiplier, tolerance, or temperature coefficient.

How to Read a Resistor Color Code

To correctly read a resistor color code:

1. Hold the resistor so the gold or silver tolerance band is on the right
2. Read the color bands from left to right
3. Identify:
   • Significant digits
   • Multiplier
   • Tolerance (and TCR for 6-band resistors)

The first band is never gold or silver, making it easy to identify the reading direction.

4-Band Resistor Color Code Explained

In a standard 4-band resistor:

• Band 1: First significant digit
• Band 2: Second significant digit
• Band 3: Multiplier
• Band 4: Tolerance

Example:
Green – Red – Blue – Gold
→ 52 × 1,000,000 = 52 MΩ ±5%

5-Band Resistor Color Code Explained

5-band resistors are used for higher precision applications.

• Band 1–3: Significant digits
• Band 4: Multiplier
• Band 5: Tolerance

Typical tolerances: ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.25%

6-Band Resistor Color Code Explained

6-band resistors add a temperature coefficient (TCR) band.

Example:
Orange – Red – Brown – Brown – Green – Red
→ 3.21 kΩ ±1%, 50 ppm/°C

This indicates how much resistance changes with temperature.

Standard EIA Resistor Value Series (E-Series)

Resistor values are standardized into E-Series based on tolerance:

Using standard resistor values simplifies sourcing and reduces manufacturing costs.

Final Tip

If you frequently work with electronic components, bookmarking this Resistor Color Code Calculator can save time and help prevent costly mistakes during circuit assembly or repair.