What is a resistor color code and how do you read it?
1 Answer
A resistor color code is a system used to identify the resistance value of a resistor by the combination of colored bands printed on its surface. This color code is widely used in electronic circuits and helps engineers, technicians, and hobbyists to easily determine the resistance of a resistor without the need for any additional equipment.
The color code consists of several colored bands arranged on the resistor body. The standard color code includes four or five bands, each representing a specific value or multiplier. The color bands are typically placed close to one end of the resistor.
Here's how to read the resistor color code:
Identify the number of color bands: Most resistors have either four or five color bands. The five-band system is more precise and is often used for high-precision resistors or those with low tolerance.
Determine the order of the bands: The first three bands represent the significant figures of the resistance value, the fourth band is the multiplier, and the fifth band (if present) indicates the tolerance.
Assign color-to-value mapping: Each color corresponds to a specific numeric value. The standard color-to-value mapping is as follows:
For the first three bands (significant figures):
Black: 0
Brown: 1
Red: 2
Orange: 3
Yellow: 4
Green: 5
Blue: 6
Violet/Purple: 7
Gray: 8
White: 9
For the fourth band (multiplier):
Black: x1 (10^0)
Brown: x10 (10^1)
Red: x100 (10^2)
Orange: x1,000 (10^3)
Yellow: x10,000 (10^4)
Green: x100,000 (10^5)
Blue: x1,000,000 (10^6)
Violet/Purple: x10,000,000 (10^7)
Gray: x100,000,000 (10^8)
White: x1,000,000,000 (10^9)
Gold: /10 (divide by 10)
Silver: /100 (divide by 100)
For the fifth band (tolerance):
Brown: ±1%
Red: ±2%
Green: ±0.5%
Blue: ±0.25%
Violet/Purple: ±0.1%
Gray: ±0.05%
Gold: ±5%
Silver: ±10%
Interpret the colors: Read the color bands from left to right and translate the color-to-value mapping accordingly. The first two bands represent the first two digits, and the third band represents the multiplier.
Calculate the resistance value: Combine the first three bands' values using the multiplier to obtain the resistor's resistance in ohms (Ω).
For example, let's say you have a resistor with the color bands: Red-Black-Yellow-Gold.
Interpreting this:
Red (2) - Black (0) - Yellow (x10,000) - Gold (±5%)
The resistance value is 20,000 ohms or 20 kΩ with a tolerance of ±5%.
Remember that the color code system might vary slightly based on the resistor type and manufacturer, so it's always a good idea to double-check the resistor's specifications or refer to the manufacturer's datasheet if available.
The color code consists of several colored bands arranged on the resistor body. The standard color code includes four or five bands, each representing a specific value or multiplier. The color bands are typically placed close to one end of the resistor.
Here's how to read the resistor color code:
Identify the number of color bands: Most resistors have either four or five color bands. The five-band system is more precise and is often used for high-precision resistors or those with low tolerance.
Determine the order of the bands: The first three bands represent the significant figures of the resistance value, the fourth band is the multiplier, and the fifth band (if present) indicates the tolerance.
Assign color-to-value mapping: Each color corresponds to a specific numeric value. The standard color-to-value mapping is as follows:
For the first three bands (significant figures):
Black: 0
Brown: 1
Red: 2
Orange: 3
Yellow: 4
Green: 5
Blue: 6
Violet/Purple: 7
Gray: 8
White: 9
For the fourth band (multiplier):
Black: x1 (10^0)
Brown: x10 (10^1)
Red: x100 (10^2)
Orange: x1,000 (10^3)
Yellow: x10,000 (10^4)
Green: x100,000 (10^5)
Blue: x1,000,000 (10^6)
Violet/Purple: x10,000,000 (10^7)
Gray: x100,000,000 (10^8)
White: x1,000,000,000 (10^9)
Gold: /10 (divide by 10)
Silver: /100 (divide by 100)
For the fifth band (tolerance):
Brown: ±1%
Red: ±2%
Green: ±0.5%
Blue: ±0.25%
Violet/Purple: ±0.1%
Gray: ±0.05%
Gold: ±5%
Silver: ±10%
Interpret the colors: Read the color bands from left to right and translate the color-to-value mapping accordingly. The first two bands represent the first two digits, and the third band represents the multiplier.
Calculate the resistance value: Combine the first three bands' values using the multiplier to obtain the resistor's resistance in ohms (Ω).
For example, let's say you have a resistor with the color bands: Red-Black-Yellow-Gold.
Interpreting this:
Red (2) - Black (0) - Yellow (x10,000) - Gold (±5%)
The resistance value is 20,000 ohms or 20 kΩ with a tolerance of ±5%.
Remember that the color code system might vary slightly based on the resistor type and manufacturer, so it's always a good idea to double-check the resistor's specifications or refer to the manufacturer's datasheet if available.