About Resistor Color Code Calculator

Decodes resistor color bands into resistance values for both 4-band and 5-band resistors. Select colors for each band from dropdown menus to compute the resistance (auto-formatted in Ω, kΩ, or MΩ) and tolerance percentage. Includes a visual resistor diagram that updates in real time, a complete color code reference table, and result export as JSON.

• 4-band mode: two digit bands + multiplier + tolerance
• 5-band mode: three digit bands + multiplier + tolerance (higher precision)
• 12 color bands supported: Black through White, plus Gold and Silver for sub-1 multipliers and wider tolerances
• Tolerance values range from ±0.05% (Grey) to ±10% (Silver)
• Visual resistor body with colored stripes updates as you change selections

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use 5-band mode instead of 4-band?

5-band resistors have three significant digits instead of two, giving 1% or better precision. Use 5-band for precision resistors (typically metal film). Standard carbon film resistors are 4-band with 5% or 10% tolerance.

What do the Gold and Silver bands mean?

As multiplier bands, Gold = ×0.1 and Silver = ×0.01 (for sub-10Ω resistors). As tolerance bands, Gold = ±5% and Silver = ±10%. They cannot be used as digit bands.