• Published 22 May 2025
    • Last Modified 22 May 2025
  • 2 min

Resistor Colour Code Calculator

Use our Resistor Colour Code Calculator to help you determine the resistance value to match your requirements

It can be difficult to calculate the tolerance or resistance value of a resistor, especially if you’re working quickly or the colours of the bands have faded. With our resistor colour code calculator, you can get the answer you need in seconds, and without the risk of human error.

Simply select the colours from your resistor (whether it’s a 4-band, 5-band, or 6-band resistor), and the calculator will instantly display the resistance value in ohms.

What is a Resistor Colour Code?

The resistor colour code is a standardised system of colour bands printed on resistors which are used to indicate the resistance value, tolerance and occasionally the temperature coefficient of the resistor. Sometimes written labels can be too small to print on tiny components, making resistor colour coding difficult to interpret, so this method helps to identify these specifications a lot easier.

Resistor Colour Code Table

Colour
Digit
Multiplier
Tolerance
Black01-
Brown110+1%
Red2100+2%
Orange31K-
Yellow410K-
Green5100K+0.5%
Blue61M+0.25%
Violet710M+0.1%
Grey8100M+0.05%
White91G-
Gold-0.1+5%
Silver-0.01+10%

Whether you're prototyping a new circuit, repairing existing hardware, or designing systems with stepper motors, DC motors, servo motors, or brushless electric motors, having accurate resistor values is essential. Proper resistance ensures your components operate within safe limits and that your motor controllers and other electronics perform reliably. Our Resistor Colour Code Calculator is a must-have for anyone working with electronic components, designed to save time, reduce errors, and support both beginners and professionals in electronics.

Browse some of our key product ranges and related content below.

Through-Hole Resistors

Through-hole Resistors

Through-hole resistors are an example of a typical passive component that is too small to have numerical labels printed on them and thus benefit from colour coding. They are used to reduce the flow of electrical current in a circuit.

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Breadboards

Breadboards

Breadboards are a type of solderless plugboard which is used for prototyping. The resistor colour code is essential for working with breadboards to quickly and accurately determine resistor values.

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Digital Multimeters

Digital Multimeters

Digital multimeters are used to measure resistor values electrically and are often used in conjunction with the resistor colour code system to ensure accuracy.

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