Reading Resistor Color Code Values


The electronic color code is used to indicate the values or ratings of electronic components, very common in resistors. Color bands were commonly used (especially on resistors) because they were easily printed on tiny components, decreasing construction costs.

A diagram of a resistor, with four color bands A, B, C, D from left to right A diagram of a 2.7 MΩ color-coded resistor.

To distinguish left from right there is a gap between the C and D bands.
  • band A is first significant figure of component value (left side)
  • band B is the second significant figure (Some precision resistors have a third significant figure, and thus five bands.)
  • band C is the decimal multiplier
  • band D if present, indicates tolerance of value in percent (no band means 20%)

ColorSignificant
figures
MultiplierToleranceTemp. Coefficient (ppm/K)
Black0×100–250U
Brown1×101±1%F100S
Red2×102±2%G50R
Orange3×103–15P
Yellow4×104(±5%)–25Q
Green5×105±0.5%D20Z
Blue6×106±0.25%C10Z
Violet7×107±0.1%B5M
Gray8×108±0.05% (±10%)A1K
White9×109––
Gold–×10-1±5%J–
Silver–×10-2±10%K–
None––±20%M–

 Graphical Resistance Value Calculator: http://www.dannyg.com/examples/res2/resistor.htm

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