The resistor color code system uses colored bands to indicate resistance value, multiplier, and tolerance. Memorize the sequence with the mnemonic "BBROYGBVGW" for the rainbow color order.
⚠Read the bands from the end closest to the edge. For 4-band: first two are digits. For 5-band: first three are digits. The last band(s) indicate tolerance.
How to Read Resistor Color Codes
The resistor color code is a standardized marking system. Each color represents a number 0-9. The first bands are significant digits, the next is the multiplier (power of ten), and the final band is tolerance. Position the resistor so the tolerance band (gold/silver) is on the right, then read left to right.
First 2 bands are digits, 3rd is multiplier, 4th is tolerance. Example: Brown-Black-Red-Gold = 1 0 ×100 = 1000Ω = 1kΩ ±5%.
What is the resistor color mnemonic?▼
"BBROY Great Britain Very Good Wife" = Black Brown Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Violet Gray White. Or simply: BBROYGBVGW.
Which end to read first?▼
Position the resistor so the tolerance band (gold or silver) is on the right. Read left to right. The first band is closest to the edge.
When to use 5-band resistors?▼
5-band resistors provide 3 significant digits for precision (±1% or better). Use in measurement circuits, voltage references, and precision analog circuits.
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