Decode resistor values from color bands
Resistance Value
1.00 kΩ
±1% tolerance
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | ×1 | — |
| Brown | 1 | ×10 | ±1% |
| Red | 2 | ×100 | ±2% |
| Orange | 3 | ×1000 | — |
| Yellow | 4 | ×10000 | — |
| Green | 5 | ×100000 | ±0.5% |
| Blue | 6 | ×1000000 | ±0.25% |
| Violet | 7 | ×10000000 | ±0.1% |
| Gray | 8 | ×100000000 | ±0.05% |
| White | 9 | ×1000000000 | — |
| Gold | — | ×0.1 | ±5% |
| Silver | — | ×0.01 | ±10% |
A resistor is a passive component that limits current or divides voltage in an electrical circuit. Resistor color code refers to the visual band system used on axial parts when the body is too small for full numeric printing.
In PCB assembly, teams use this code during incoming inspection, manual insertion, and failure analysis. The code is especially helpful when a component bin contains similar values that could otherwise be mixed during rework.
A resistor color code is a visual marking system that represents resistance value, multiplier, and tolerance with colored bands on the component body.
Four-band resistors usually use two significant digits, one multiplier band, and one tolerance band.
Tolerance indicates the acceptable percentage variation from the nominal resistance value.
Through-hole resistors still rely on color bands, while many SMD parts use printed numeric codes or require BOM confirmation because the markings can be minimal.
Verification reduces placement errors, incorrect substitutions, and troubleshooting time during prototype and production builds.