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Colour code of resistors
Beginner
Bands encode value and tolerance.
Bands encode digits, multiplier and tolerance: black 0, brown 1, red 2, orange 3, yellow 4, green 5, blue 6, violet 7, grey 8, white 9. Red-red-brown-gold = 22 × 10 = 220 Ω ±5%.
Yellow-violet-orange = 47 kΩ.
Read from the end opposite the tolerance band.
In more detail
Resistors are labelled with coloured bands that give their resistance value and tolerance. Each colour corresponds to a digit or multiplier.
Real-world uses
- Electronics hobbyists read resistor colour codes when building circuits.
- Repair technicians identify components using colour bands.
- Hobbyists read resistor colour bands to identify the value of components when building circuits.
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Frequently asked questions
What colour is zero?
Black.
What does the tolerance band mean?
It shows how accurate the resistance value is, such as plus or minus 5 percent.
What does the gold or silver band mean?
It gives the tolerance, which is the allowed percentage variation from the stated value.
Related topics in Current Electricity & Circuits
Semiconductors and thermistors · Resistors in series · Resistors in parallel · Electric power · Heating effect of current · Electrical energy and cost