Resistance Color Code Calculator

Resistance Color Code Calculator – Kadence Friendly

Resistance Color Code Calculator

Decode or encode values for 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistors. Results update instantly; Tempco appears only for 6-band parts.

Select Band Count & Colors
Tip: For 4-band parts the first digit should not be black (no leading zero).
Results
Resistance
—
Tolerance
—
Range (min-max)
—
Multiplier
—
Details
ElementSelectionValue

How to Use the Resistance Color Code Calculator

Decode band colors to a resistance value or encode a target resistance into band colors. Supports 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band (with tempco). Matches your calculator UI and is friendly on mobile.

1) Choose Mode

  • Colors → Value (decode an existing resistor).
  • Value → Colors (find bands for a target resistance).
Use the tab buttons at the top of the calculator to switch modes.

2) Select Band Count

  • 4-band: 2 digits + multiplier + tolerance.
  • 5-band: 3 digits + multiplier + tolerance.
  • 6-band: 5-band + tempco (ppm/°C).
Orientation tip: the tolerance band (often gold/silver) is spaced farther from the others and sits on the right—start reading from the opposite side.

3) Colors → Value (Decode)

  • Pick digit bands (Band 1–2 for 4-band; Band 1–3 for 5/6-band).
  • Choose Multiplier color (×10ⁿ) and Tolerance color.
  • (6-band) choose Tempco if present.
Band 1 on 4-band parts should not be Black (no leading zero).

4) Value → Colors (Encode)

  • Enter the Resistance and select the Unit (Ω/kΩ/MΩ/GΩ).
  • Pick desired Tolerance; the tool rounds to the nearest representable value for the chosen band count.
  • (6-band) optionally choose Tempco.

5) Multiplier & Tolerance

  • Multiplier sets the decade (e.g., Red = ×100, Gold = ×0.1).
  • Tolerance sets accuracy (e.g., Brown = ±1%, Gold = ±5%).
  • Sub-ohm values often use Gold (×0.1) or Silver (×0.01).

6) (6-band) Tempco

  • Tempco (ppm/°C) is informational for precision parts—it doesn’t change the resistance value.
  • Common: Brown: 100 ppm/°C, Red: 50 ppm/°C, Blue: 10 ppm/°C.

7) Read the Results

  • Resistance with unit scaling (Ω, kΩ, MΩ, GΩ).
  • Tolerance and the computed min–max range.
  • Live band preview matches your selections.
  • The Details table lists each band’s meaning.

Quick Checklist

  • Orientation correct (tolerance band at the right).
  • No leading zero on 4-band (Band 1 ≠ Black).
  • Multiplier decade matches expected order of magnitude.
  • Tolerance suits the application (±1%, ±5%, etc.).
  • For sub-ohm parts, look for Gold/Silver multipliers.
  • If value isn’t exact, rounding choice is acceptable.
FAQ & Tips

My bands don’t match the value I expect.
Re-check orientation and the multiplier color; Gold/Silver change the decade dramatically.

Can I force an exact value?
Use 5-band for finer resolution (3 significant digits). If not representable, the calculator shows the nearest standard combination.

Colors look faded.
Age/heat can shift pigments—use the tolerance range to confirm if the measured value is still acceptable.

Copy-Paste Mini Workflow

Decode:
1) Set Bands (4/5/6) and pick colors
2) Choose Multiplier & Tolerance (+Tempco if 6-band)
3) Read Resistance, Range, and verify preview

Encode:
1) Pick Bands (4/5/6)
2) Enter Resistance + Unit, choose Tolerance
3) (Optional) Tempco for 6-band
4) Read Bands list and preview → print/label