1. What is Resistor Color Code?

The resistor color code is a standardized method for indicating the value and tolerance of resistors through colored bands. Most resistors have 4 bands, though some precision resistors may have 5 or 6 bands.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard resistor color code formula:

Where:

• \( band1 \) — First significant digit (band 1)
• \( band2 \) — Second significant digit (band 2)
• \( band3 \) — Multiplier (band 3)
• \( tolerance \) — Tolerance percentage (band 4)

Explanation: The first two bands represent digits, the third band is the multiplier (power of ten), and the fourth band indicates tolerance.

3. Importance of Color Coding

Details: Color coding allows quick identification of resistor values without needing to print small numbers on tiny components. It's essential for electronics work, circuit design, and troubleshooting.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the color of each band from the dropdown menus. The calculator will display the resistance value with tolerance. For 5-band resistors, use the first three bands for digits.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my resistor has 5 bands?
A: For 5-band resistors, the first three bands are digits, the fourth is multiplier, and fifth is tolerance. The formula becomes (band1×100 + band2×10 + band3) × 10^band4.

Q2: What do gold and silver bands mean?
A: Gold as a multiplier means ×0.1, silver means ×0.01. As tolerance, gold means ±5%, silver means ±10%.

Q3: How accurate are color coded resistors?
A: Accuracy depends on the tolerance band. Common tolerances are ±1%, ±2%, ±5%, and ±10%.

Q4: What's the difference between 4-band and 5-band resistors?
A: 5-band resistors provide an extra digit of precision (3 digits instead of 2) before the multiplier.

Q5: How do I read resistors without color codes?
A: Some surface-mount resistors use numerical codes. A 3-digit code works like color bands (first two digits, third is multiplier).