Resistor Color Code Calculator

About this tool

Pick the color of each band on a resistor to read its resistance, tolerance, and (for 6-band resistors) temperature coefficient — or work the other way and use it as a reference for which colors correspond to which digits. Supports the three common resistor formats: 4-band (most common), 5-band (precision), and 6-band (precision with temperature coefficient).

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between 4-band and 5-band resistors?

A 4-band resistor encodes two significant digits, a multiplier, and a tolerance. A 5-band resistor adds a third significant digit for finer precision (e.g. 1% tolerance resistors are almost always 5-band), and a 6-band resistor adds a temperature coefficient band on top of that.

Which end do I start reading from?

Start from the band closest to one end of the resistor — the tolerance band (commonly gold or silver) is usually set apart with a wider gap and sits nearest the other end, so reading toward it is the easiest way to get the orientation right.

What does a "silver" or "gold" digit band mean?

Gold and silver are never used as significant-digit bands — they only appear as a ×0.1/×0.01 multiplier or as a tolerance band, so if you see one of those colors, it marks the multiplier or tolerance position.