Resistor Color Code Decoder
Select the painted color stripes on your resistor hardware to calculate its exact electrical resistance and tolerance bounds.
Resistor Color Codes
10 kΩ±5%
Range: 9.5kΩ to 10.5kΩ
Resistor Color Code Calculator (4, 5, and 6 Band)
In electronics and circuit design, identifying the precise ohmic value of a resistor is crucial for managing current flow and protecting sensitive components. Because resistors are too small to print numbers on, manufacturers use a universal color-banding system. The Calculay Resistor Color Code Calculator decodes 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors instantly.
How to Read Resistor Color Bands
Hold the resistor so the band that is spaced furthest away from the others (usually gold or silver) is on your right. This isolated band represents the "Tolerance." Read the bands from left to right:
- 4-Band Resistors: The most common type. Band 1 is the first digit, Band 2 is the second digit, Band 3 is the multiplier, and Band 4 is the tolerance.
- 5-Band Resistors: Used for higher precision. Bands 1, 2, and 3 are the digits, Band 4 is the multiplier, and Band 5 is the tolerance.
- 6-Band Resistors: The highest precision. The first 5 bands follow the 5-band rule, while the 6th band indicates the Temperature Coefficient (how much the resistance changes as it gets hot).
Why Accuracy Matters in Prototyping
If you are building an LED circuit with a 9V battery and use a 100-ohm resistor instead of a required 1000-ohm (1k) resistor, the current will be ten times higher than intended, instantly burning out the LED. Our calculator ensures that students, hobbyists, and professional electrical engineers avoid critical hardware damage by providing the exact minimum and maximum resistance based on the tolerance rating.