Translate bands into resistance values instantly
Supports 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band resistor color codes. See the nominal resistance, tolerance, and temperature coefficient (for 6-band) as you pick colors, plus the closest preferred E-series values. The reverse lookup mode suggests color bands from a target resistance.
- 1Bidirectional color ↔ value solver with live updates
- 2Shareable result URLs plus a local shortcut to this calculator
- 3Nearest E24 / E96 picks for procurement-friendly values
- 4Touch-friendly swatch UI tuned for phones and tablets
How to use (3 steps)
- Choose “Colors → Value” or “Value → Colors” from the tabs above.
- Select the band count and each band color, or enter a target resistance, tolerance, and tempco.
- Check the result, then copy its URL or save this calculator for quick access.
Calculations run in your browser. A copied result URL contains the selected values; they reach a server only if that URL is opened.
This result shows the nominal resistance and tolerance range derived from the selected band colors.
This result is an example of a color code close to your target value and is meant as a guide when choosing components.
Reference table
Not every color is valid for every band. Temperature coefficients apply to precision 6-band resistors.
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance | Temp. coefficient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | ×100 | — | 250 ppm/K |
| Brown | 1 | ×101 | ±1% | 100 ppm/K |
| Red | 2 | ×102 | ±2% | 50 ppm/K |
| Orange | 3 | ×103 | ±0.05% | 15 ppm/K |
| Yellow | 4 | ×104 | ±0.02% | 25 ppm/K |
| Green | 5 | ×105 | ±0.5% | 20 ppm/K |
| Blue | 6 | ×106 | ±0.25% | 10 ppm/K |
| Violet | 7 | ×107 | ±0.1% | 5 ppm/K |
| Gray | 8 | ×108 | ±0.01% | 1 ppm/K |
| White | 9 | ×109 | — | — |
| Pink | — | ×10-3 | — | — |
| Gold | — | ×10-1 | ±5% | — |
| Silver | — | ×10-2 | ±10% | — |
| None | — | — | ±20% | — |
FAQ
Which band count should I choose?
Standard carbon film resistors are 4-band, metal film parts typically use 5 bands, and precision parts with thermal tracking add a 6th temperature coefficient band.
Can I derive colors from a value?
Yes. Use the “Value → Colors” tab, enter your value and tolerance, then submit to get a suggested color code.
What are the E-series suggestions?
They show the nearest IEC preferred values (E24/E96) so you can match against commonly stocked resistors.
What should I enter first?
Start with the minimum required inputs shown above the calculate button, then keep optional settings at their defaults for a first pass. After getting a baseline, change one parameter at a time so you can explain which assumption moved the output.
How precise are the results?
The decoded resistance follows the selected band count, multiplier, and tolerance band. Small differences usually come from choosing 4-band versus 5-band mode, rounding to an E-series value, or omitting the temperature coefficient band.
How it’s calculated
- 4/5‑band codes use significant digits, a multiplier band, and a tolerance band (6‑band adds a tempco band).
- Nominal resistance = significant digits × multiplier; tolerance is applied as a ±% range.
- The shareable URL keeps your band colors and mode so you can reopen the same configuration later.
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