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reading the resistor values using the color code

The document explains how to read resistor values using a color code system, detailing the significance of each colored band on resistors with 4, 5, or 6 bands. It includes a color code chart that associates colors with digits, multipliers, and tolerances, along with step-by-step instructions for calculating resistance values. Additionally, it provides tips for reading resistors and a mnemonic to help remember the color order.

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Dr. Wael A.Mohamed
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4 views

reading the resistor values using the color code

The document explains how to read resistor values using a color code system, detailing the significance of each colored band on resistors with 4, 5, or 6 bands. It includes a color code chart that associates colors with digits, multipliers, and tolerances, along with step-by-step instructions for calculating resistance values. Additionally, it provides tips for reading resistors and a mnemonic to help remember the color order.

Uploaded by

Dr. Wael A.Mohamed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Let's break down how to read resistor values using the color code.

Resistors typically
have 4, 5, or 6 colored bands, each indicating a specific value or characteristic.

The Color Code Chart:

Here's a table that shows the standard resistor color code:

Color Digit Multiplier Tolerance Temp.


Coefficient
(ppm/°C)

Black 0 ×1

Brown 1 ×10 ±1% 100

Red 2 ×100 ±2% 50

Orange 3 ×1,000 15

Yellow 4 ×10,000 ±4% 25

Green 5 ×100,000 ±0.5%

Blue 6 ×1,000,000 ±0.25% 10

Violet 7 ×10,000,000 ±0.1% 5

Grey 8 ×100,000,000 ±0.05% 1

White 9 ×1,000,000,00
0

Gold ×0.1 ±5%

Silver ×0.01 ±10%

No Color ±20%

Reading the Bands:


1.​ Identify the Tolerance Band: The tolerance band is usually the last band and is
often gold or silver. It's also typically spaced slightly further apart from the other
bands. Orient the resistor so the tolerance band is on your right.
2.​ Determine the Number of Bands: Resistors commonly have 4, 5, or 6 bands.
○​ 4-Band Resistors:
■​ The first two bands represent the first two significant digits of the
resistance value.
■​ The third band is the multiplier.1
■​ The fourth band indicates the tolerance.
○​ 5-Band Resistors:
■​ The first three bands represent the first three significant digits.
■​ The fourth band is the multiplier.
■​ The fifth band indicates the tolerance. These resistors offer more
precision.
○​ 6-Band Resistors:
■​ The first three bands represent the first three significant digits.
■​ The fourth band is the multiplier.
■​ The fifth band indicates the tolerance.
■​ The sixth band indicates the temperature coefficient (ppm/°C), which
shows how much the resistance changes with temperature variations.
3.​ Read from Left to Right: Starting from the band opposite the tolerance band,
note the colors of each band in order.
4.​ Use the Color Code Chart: For each color, find the corresponding digit,
multiplier, or tolerance value from the chart.
5.​ Calculate the Resistance:
○​ For a 4-band resistor:​
Resistance=(1st digit×10+2nd digit)×Multiplier Tolerance=Value from 4th band
○​ For a 5-band resistor:​
Resistance=(1st digit×100+2nd digit×10+3rd digit)×Multiplier Tolerance=Value
from 5th band
○​ For a 6-band resistor:​
Resistance=(1st digit×100+2nd digit×10+3rd digit)×Multiplier Tolerance=Value
from 5th band Temperature Coefficient=Value from 6th band

Mnemonic for Remembering Colors:

A common mnemonic to remember the order of the colors and their corresponding
digits is:
Black Brown Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Violet Grey White

( Big Boys Race Our Young Girls But Violet Generally Wins)

Example (4-Band Resistor):

Let's say a resistor has the following color bands: Red, Violet, Orange, Gold.
1.​ Red: First digit = 2
2.​ Violet: Second digit = 7
3.​ Orange: Multiplier = ×1,000
4.​ Gold: Tolerance = ±5%

The resistance value is: (2×10+7)×1,000=27×1,000=27,000Ω=27kΩ

The tolerance is ±5%. This means the actual resistance value is within ±5% of 27kΩ.

Tips:
●​ Always start reading from the side that has the bands clustered together. The
tolerance band is often separate.
●​ Gold and silver are common tolerance bands but are never the first color band
(they don't represent significant digits).
●​ Practice reading different color combinations to become more familiar with the
code.
●​ There are many online resistor color code calculators and charts available that
can help you verify your readings.

By understanding this system, you can easily determine the resistance, tolerance, and
sometimes even the temperature coefficient of axial lead resistors.

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