Resistor color bands

The color bands on resistors indicate their electrical value, tolerance, and temperature coefficient, following an internationally standardized code.

About this subject

Resistors are passive electronic components that limit or regulate current flow in circuits. The colored bands around their body represent a color code that indicates the resistance value in ohms, tolerance, and, in higher-precision models, the temperature coefficient. This system was developed in the early 20th century to allow easy reading of values without measurement instruments. The code consists of 4, 5, or 6 bands, with the first being significant digits, the next being the multiplier, and the last indicating tolerance. For example, a resistor with brown, black, red, and gold bands has a value of 10 × 100 = 1000 ohms (1 kΩ) with 5% tolerance. The standard is defined by IEC 60062 and adopted worldwide. The long exposure in the image may highlight the colored rings, simulating an enlarged view or motion. In Brazil, these components are widely used in electronics labs and Arduino prototyping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you read the colors of a 4-band resistor?

The first two bands are the significant digits, the third is the multiplier in power of 10, and the fourth indicates tolerance. For example: brown (1), black (0), red (×100), and gold (±5%) = 1000 Ω.

What is the difference between 4, 5, and 6-band resistors?

4-band resistors typically have 5% or 10% tolerance. 5-band resistors offer higher precision (1% or 2% tolerance), with three significant digits. 6-band resistors add a band for temperature coefficient.

What does the gold or silver band on a resistor mean?

The gold band indicates ±5% tolerance and the silver indicates ±10%. When in the multiplier position, gold means ×0.1 and silver means ×0.01. These colors are standard for fractional values.