How to read a resistor color code
Resistors use colored bands to mark their value. Read from the end where the bands are grouped closest to the edge:
- 4-band: digit, digit, multiplier, tolerance.
- 5-band: digit, digit, digit, multiplier, tolerance (tighter-tolerance / precision parts).
- 6-band: same as 5-band plus a temperature-coefficient band.
The tolerance band is often gold or silver and slightly separated from the rest — that's your clue for which way round to read it.
Color code chart
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | ×1 | — |
| Brown | 1 | ×10 | ±1% |
| Red | 2 | ×100 | ±2% |
| Orange | 3 | ×1k | — |
| Yellow | 4 | ×10k | — |
| Green | 5 | ×100k | ±0.5% |
| Blue | 6 | ×1M | ±0.25% |
| Violet | 7 | ×10M | ±0.1% |
| Grey | 8 | ×100M | ±0.05% |
| White | 9 | ×1G | — |
| Gold | — | ×0.1 | ±5% |
| Silver | — | ×0.01 | ±10% |
Worked example: 10 kΩ
Brown (1), black (0), orange (×1,000) → 10 × 1,000 = 10,000 Ω = 10 kΩ. Add a gold band for ±5% tolerance, meaning the real value sits between 9.5 kΩ and 10.5 kΩ.
Frequently asked questions
How do you read resistor color codes?
From the grouped end: first bands are digits, then the multiplier (zeros), then tolerance. 5/6-band add a third digit and a temp-coefficient band.
What color is a 10k resistor?
4-band: brown, black, orange, + tolerance (often gold). 1-0 = 10, ×1,000 = 10 kΩ.
Which end do I start from?
The side with bands closest to the edge; the tolerance band (often gold/silver, slightly separated) is last.
What does tolerance mean?
How far the real value can stray: gold ±5%, silver ±10%, brown ±1%, red ±2%.
More free tools
Other calculators: Aspect Ratio Calculator, Grams to Cups · See all Alienated Tools.