Resistor Color Code Calculator (4-Band)
By Santaji GadepatilinUpdated October 27, 2026
Most through-hole resistors are too small to print a value on, so coloured bands show their resistance and tolerance instead. This resistor color code guide explains how to read them.
How to use the resistor color code calculator
Choose the four colour bands from left to right. The calculator shows the resistance and its tolerance range. The default — brown, black, red, gold — is 1 kΩ ±5%.
For more background, read What Is Resistance?.
The colour chart
| Colour | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | × 1 | — |
| Brown | 1 | × 10 | ±1% |
| Red | 2 | × 100 | ±2% |
| Orange | 3 | × 1 k | — |
| Yellow | 4 | × 10 k | — |
| Green | 5 | × 100 k | ±0.5% |
| Blue | 6 | × 1 M | ±0.25% |
| Violet | 7 | × 10 M | ±0.1% |
| Grey | 8 | — | ±0.05% |
| White | 9 | — | — |
| Gold | — | × 0.1 | ±5% |
| Silver | — | × 0.01 | ±10% |
Common resistors
| Value | Bands |
|---|---|
| 100 Ω | Brown, black, brown |
| 220 Ω | Red, red, brown |
| 330 Ω | Orange, orange, brown |
| 470 Ω | Yellow, violet, brown |
| 1 kΩ | Brown, black, red |
| 4.7 kΩ | Yellow, violet, red |
| 10 kΩ | Brown, black, orange |
| 47 kΩ | Yellow, violet, orange |
| 100 kΩ | Brown, black, yellow |
| 1 MΩ | Brown, black, green |
E-series values
Resistors come in standard series. E12 (±10%): 1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.2, 2.7, 3.3, 3.9, 4.7, 5.6, 6.8, 8.2 — repeated for each decade. E24 (±5%) adds values in between, and E96 (±1%) has 96 per decade.
SMD resistors
Surface-mount resistors use number codes: “103” = 10 × 10³ = 10 kΩ; “4R7” = 4.7 Ω; E96 parts use codes like “01C” = 10 kΩ.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read a resistor colour code?
Hold the resistor with the tolerance band (usually gold or silver) on the right. The first two bands are digits, the third is the multiplier and the fourth is tolerance. Brown–black–red–gold is 10 × 100 = 1 kΩ ±5%.
What is a good way to remember the colours?
Black 0, brown 1, red 2, orange 3, yellow 4, green 5, blue 6, violet 7, grey 8, white 9 — the order of the rainbow sits in the middle.
What about 5-band resistors?
They have three digit bands, then multiplier and tolerance. They are used for 1% and better precision resistors.
Which end do I start from?
The end with the band closest to the edge. Gold and silver are never first bands.