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Everyday Tools

Resistor Color Code Calculator

Decode 4-band and 5-band resistor color codes — value, tolerance, and series.

Runs locally·Free, no signup·Updated May 6, 2026
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How it works

A walkthrough, end to end.

  1. 1

    Pick the number of bands (4 or 5).

  2. 2

    Select the color of each band.

  3. 3

    See the resistance value, tolerance, and human-readable formatted output.

Reference

Resistor color code

4-band: digit, digit, multiplier, tolerance. 5-band: digit, digit, digit, multiplier, tolerance. Standard EIA-RS-279 colors.

Use cases

What you can do with this.

Inventory check

Identify a resistor pulled from a parts bin.

Education

Teach color codes to electronics students.

Prototyping

Verify a resistor before soldering.

Hobby projects

Speed up Arduino and Raspberry Pi builds.

Repairs

Identify replacement resistors.

Audio gear

Service vintage amplifiers and pedals.

Lab work

Confirm tolerance bands on precision parts.

Resistor codes 2026 — what's current

Standard EIA color code; calculator wins for instant decode.

FAQ

Frequently asked.

  • The 6th band is temperature coefficient. This calculator covers 4 and 5 bands.

  • Band 1 is closer to one end; the tolerance band is usually wider and on the opposite end.

  • No. All math runs in your browser.

  • SMD resistors use number codes, not colors.