Electronic components often use color bands or printed codes to indicate their electrical values. The most common example is the resistor color code, which uses colored stripes to show resistance, tolerance, and sometimes temperature coefficient. Older capacitors also used color codes, but modern capacitors now use printed numeric markings instead.
This guide explains how to read both resistor and capacitor color codes accurately.
Usage: Color codes vs printed values
Resistors that use color‑banded:
- Through‑hole, low‑power resistors from about 1/8 W up to 2 W
- Common carbon film, metal film, and carbon composition resistors
- Used on PCBs, prototyping boards, and legacy equipment
Resistors that use printed values (no color bands):
- Surface‑mount resistors (SMD) — use numeric codes like “103” (10 kΩ), “472” (4.7 kΩ)
- Higher‑power wire‑wound resistors (5 W, 10 W, etc.) — often have the resistance and tolerance printed directly on the body
- Precision network / array resistors — usually labeled or coded in text
Resistor Band Rules
Resistors typically use 4‑band, 5‑band, or 6‑band color coding.
4‑Band Resistor
- Band 1: First digit
- Band 2: Second digit
- Band 3: Multiplier
- Band 4: Tolerance
Example: Red (2) – Violet (7) – Orange (×1,000×1,000) – Gold (±5±5%) → 27,000Ω±527,000 Ω ±5%
5‑Band Resistor
Used for precision resistors.
- Band 1: First digit
- Band 2: Second digit
- Band 3: Third digit
- Band 4: Multiplier
- Band 5: Tolerance
Example: Brown – Black – Black – Red – Brown → 100×100=10kΩ±1100 × 100 = 10 kΩ ±1%
6‑Band Resistor
Same as 5‑band, plus:
- Band 6: Temperature coefficient (ppm/K)
Example: Blue (10 ppm/K) indicates high stability.
Resistor Color Codes
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance | Temp. Coefficient (ppm/K) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ■ | Black | 0 | ×1 | – | 250 |
| ■ | Brown | 1 | ×10 | ±1% | 100 |
| ■ | Red | 2 | ×100 | ±2% | 50 |
| ■ | Orange | 3 | ×1,000 | – | 15 |
| ■ | Yellow | 4 | ×10,000 | – | 25 |
| ■ | Green | 5 | ×100,000 | ±0.5% | |
| ■ | Blue | 6 | ×1,000,000 | ±0.25% | 10 |
| ■ | Violet | 7 | ×10,000,000 | ±0.1% | 5 |
| ■ | Gray | 8 | – | ±0.05% | |
| ■ | White | 9 | – | – | |
| ■ | Gold | – | ×0.1 | ±5% | |
| ■ | Silver | – | ×0.01 | ±10% | |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read resistor color bands?
Use the color table.
- First two (or three) bands = digits
- Next band = multiplier
- Last band = tolerance Multiply the digits by the multiplier to get the resistance value.
What is the difference between 4‑band and 5‑band resistors?
- 4‑band = general‑purpose resistors
- 5‑band = precision resistors with an extra digit
- 6‑band adds temperature coefficientperspectives of each artist.
Do capacitors still use color codes?
No. Color‑coded capacitors are obsolete. Modern capacitors use printed numeric codes (e.g., “104”=100,000pF=0.1µF“104” = 100,000 pF = 0.1 µF).
What does the gold or silver band mean?
- Gold: ±5%±5\% tolerance
- Silver: ±10%±10\% tolerance
How do I know which side to read from?
- The tolerance band (gold/silver/brown/red) is usually spaced farther apart or placed at the right end.
- Start reading from the opposite side.