
In a six-band resistor, the first five bands have the same representation as a five-band resistor followed by one extra sixth band that represents the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The fourth band represents the multiplier. In a five-band resistor, the first three bands represent the first three significant digits. The fourth band represents the tolerance. The third band represents the multiplier. In a four-band resistor, which is the most common, the first two bands also represent the first two significant digits. Since no tolerance band is available, the tolerance will always be ☒0%. In a three-band resistor, the first two bands represent the first two significant digits followed by one band for the multiplier. It is always better to check the manufacturer’s documentation or use a multimeter to get the exact resistance value. If a gold or silver band is present, then they must be at the right end since they are never used for significant digits.
A larger gap between the tolerance band and the other bands is sometimes noticeable. To distinguish the reading direction, the tolerance band width is sometimes printed with 1.5 - 2 times the width of other bands. The reading direction is not always clear. Resistors cases usually have three to six bands that indicate their resistance, tolerance and sometimes their temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). It describes the coding standard for both resistors and capacitors. The coding is defined in the international standard IEC 60062:2016. Surface mounted resistors (SMD) use another coding system that uses alphanumeric codes printed on its surface instead of color codes. When the resistor body surface is large enough, as in large wattage resistors, the resistance value, tolerance, and wattage are usually printed on the body of the resistor. Color-coding is also used for capacitors, inductors and diodes. Color bands are used because they can be easily and cheaply printed on a small electronic component.
The resistance value will be calculated and shown along with the minimum and maximum values.Ĭolor-coding is a method used to indicate the resistive value, tolerance, and temperature coefficient of resistors with low wattage rating because of their small size. For each band, select the matching color in the table column indicating the band number. Select the number of bands on the resistor you are trying to identify. To use the calculator, follow these easy steps: This calculator supports resistors with 3, 4, 5, and 6 bands. It will also calculate the minimum and maximum values based on the tolerance ratio. Multimeters are a great way to check any resistors you aren’t sure of, just be sure to follow practical safety guidelines.This calculator will help you identify the value, tolerance and temperature coefficient of a color coded resistor by simply selecting the bands colors. You can use a multimeter to find out the actual resistance, but it will also vary slightly with temperature. This means that the actual resistance value could be anywhere from 950 Ω to 1050 Ω. The total resistance is therefore: 1kΩ ± 5% Ω. This example uses a gold band, giving us a tolerance of 5%. The most common values are 5% for gold, and 10% for silver. So the total value of the resistance given by the colors is 10 x 10 2 Ω = 1000 Ω = 1kΩ.īand Four – Tolerance: Gives the value of the tolerance for the resistor. In this case, the third band is red which corresponds to the number 2. The actual multiplier is 10 n, where n is the value of the band color. Therefore the digits from band one and band two are: 10.īand Three – Multiplier: Takes the digits and multiplies them by a value given by this band. This is added to the right of the first digit (from band one). This band is black, which corresponds to the value 0. The first band is brown, which corresponds to the value 1.īand Two – 2nd Digit: The second digit of the resistance value. Resistor color codes always have digits, followed by a multiplier, follower by a tolerance value.įor a four band resistor, each band has a specific role:īand One – 1st Digit: This is the first digit of the resistance value. #1 k ohm resistor color code how to#
1K Resistor Color Chart Band Number Function Color Value 1 1st Digit Brown 1 2 2nd Digit Black 0 3 Multiplier Red x 100 4 Tolerance Gold (or silver) ± 5% Total Value:ġ000 ± 5% Ω How To Read the 1K Resistor Color Code This band is almost always gold or silver, so it is usually easy to identify.Ģ) Look for the gap between the 3rd and 4th band.
Capacitor Charge, Discharge and RC Time Constant Calculatorġ) Identify the 4th band first. Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs). Capacitors and Capacitor Circuits Menu Toggle. Resistors and Resistor Circuits Menu Toggle. Introduction to DC Circuits Menu Toggle. Module 2: Fundamental Concepts Menu Toggle.
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