General EE Utilities
RESISTOR COLOR CODE DECODER
Decode 4-band and 5-band resistor color codes instantly. Click color bands or enter a value to see the matching color pattern.
Decode resistor color bands instantly. Select colors on a 4-band or 5-band resistor to read the resistance value, tolerance, and range — or enter a value to find the matching color code.
Band Count
Select Band Colors
Decoded Value
Resistance
Range: 950 Ω to 1.05 kΩ
Band Breakdown
Resistor View
Reverse Lookup — Value to Color Code
Enter a resistance value to find the matching color bands.
Color Code Reference
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
Black | 0 | × 1 | — |
Brown | 1 | × 10 | ±1% |
Red | 2 | × 100 | ±2% |
Orange | 3 | × 1k | ±0.05% |
Yellow | 4 | × 10k | — |
Green | 5 | × 100k | ±0.5% |
Blue | 6 | × 1M | ±0.25% |
Violet | 7 | × 10M | ±0.1% |
Grey | 8 | × 100M | — |
White | 9 | × 1G | — |
Gold | — | × 0.1 | ±5% |
Silver | — | × 0.01 | ±10% |
Resistor Color Code Decoder Results
Generated by calpak-usa.com/Resources/Resistor-Color-Code-Decoder
| Band Mode | 4-band |
| Resistance | 1 kΩ |
| Tolerance | ±5% |
| Min Value | 950 Ω |
| Max Value | 1.05 kΩ |
For reference only. Always verify resistor values with a multimeter.
How to Read Resistor Color Codes
Through-hole resistors use colored bands to indicate their resistance value and tolerance. The system has been standard since the 1920s and remains essential knowledge for any electronics engineer or technician. While most modern designs use surface-mount resistors with numeric codes, through-hole parts are still widely used in prototyping, power applications, and legacy designs.
A 4-band resistor uses two digit bands, one multiplier band, and one tolerance band. This encoding provides two significant figures of precision — sufficient for standard 5% and 10% tolerance parts. The first band is identified by its proximity to one end of the resistor body.
5-band resistors add a third digit band, providing three significant figures. These are typically used for precision resistors with 1% or tighter tolerance. The extra digit allows encoding values like 4.7kΩ exactly (Yellow, Violet, Black, Brown, Brown) rather than relying on the 4-band approximation.
For aerospace and defense applications, resistor selection goes beyond just the color code. Parameters like temperature coefficient, power derating, and long-term stability under environmental stress are critical. Calpak USA's engineering team can help with component selection for MIL-spec and space-grade designs. Contact us for design support.
Quick Reference: Common Resistor Values
4-band color codes for frequently used values (5% tolerance / Gold band)
| Value | Band 1 | Band 2 | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100Ω | Brown | Black | Brown |
| 220Ω | Red | Red | Brown |
| 470Ω | Yellow | Violet | Brown |
| 1kΩ | Brown | Black | Red |
| 4.7kΩ | Yellow | Violet | Red |
| 10kΩ | Brown | Black | Orange |
| 47kΩ | Yellow | Violet | Orange |
| 100kΩ | Brown | Black | Yellow |
Mnemonic: Bad Beer Rots Our Young Guts But Vodka Goes Well (Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Grey, White)
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