AixKit
All-in-One Online Calculators
AixKit
All-in-One Online Calculators
As we know a 4 Band Resistor is a type of Fixed Resistor in through hole package with two terminals, these are commonly used in electronic circuits to limit the current and drop the voltage level. These four band Resistor indicates its value through four different colors and their positions. 4 Color Band Resistor will have priority to calculate its value as First Band (First Numerical Digit), Second Band (Second Numerical Digit), Third Band (Multiplier) and Fourth Band (Tolerance).
To start decoding the Color of 4 band Resistor we need to identify the First or Last (Tolerance) Band, Most of these component comes with Gold or Silver Color Tolerance band that is last Band. So we need to position it to the right hand. Here the last tolerance band in right hand side. Now starting with the first color from left hand side. As previously said First Band color numerical value and Second band Color numerical value should be written down as it is. Then third band is multiplier ( 10color number ), Multiply the written numbers (First, Second digit) with the corresponding multiplier. Now we get the Resistor Value then final Last band is Tolerance band ± in percentage. Finally we get the Value of 4 band Resistor.
| Color and Value | First Band | Second Band | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black (0) | 0 | 0 | 1 Ω | |
| Brown (1) | 1 | 1 | 10 Ω | ±1% |
| Red (2) | 2 | 2 | 100 Ω | ±2% |
| Orange (3) | 3 | 3 | 1 kΩ | |
| Yellow (4) | 4 | 4 | 10 kΩ | |
| Green (5) | 5 | 5 | 100 kΩ | ±0.5% |
| Blue (6) | 6 | 6 | 1 MΩ | ±0.25% |
| Violet (7) | 7 | 7 | 10 MΩ | ±0.10% |
| Gray (8) | 8 | 8 | 100 MΩ | ±0.05% |
| White (9) | 9 | 9 | 1 GΩ | |
| Gold (±5%) | 0.1Ω | ±5% | ||
| Silver (±10%) | 0.01Ω | ±10% | ||
From old school method for remembering the Resistor color code, here is the simple and funny mnemonics “BB ROY Great Britain Very Good Wife Gold Silver” here the color code goes as Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Gray, White, Gold and Silver. So the Numeric and Multiplier Number (x10color) starts from 0 to 9.
Consider you are holding a four band Resistor with color code as Red, Red, Brown and Gold.
First Band Red = 2, Second Band Red = 2, Third Band Multiplier = 1 = *101, Fourth Band Tolerance = ±5%.
22*10^1=220 Ω Ohms with ±5% Tolerance, which means your Resistor will have Resistance value between 231 Ω to 209 Ω.
Resistors are among the most common components in electronics, and understanding how to read their values is a fundamental skill for hobbyists, students, and professionals. One of the most widely used systems for identifying resistor values is the 4-band color code system. Our 4 Band Resistor Color Code Calculator helps decode resistor values instantly using color bands. This article explains everything you need to know about resistor color codes and how to use our calculator effectively.
A resistor is an electronic component that resists the flow of electrical current. It is used to control voltage and current in a circuit. Resistors are made from materials that offer precise amounts of resistance, and they are rated by their resistance in ohms (Ω), along with their tolerance and maximum power ratings.
Unlike larger components that can have printed labels, resistors are often very small. To provide essential information like resistance and tolerance, color bands are printed around the resistor's body. The color code system is standardized, compact, and reliable.
The 4-band resistor color code is one of the most common formats. It includes:
Below is a table of standard colors and what they represent:
To determine the resistance value of a 4-band resistor:
Band 1: Red (2)
Band 2: Violet (7)
Band 3: Orange (×1,000)
Band 4: Gold (±5%)
Result: 27 × 1,000 = 27,000Ω or 27kΩ ±5%
Our online calculator simplifies the color code decoding process. Instead of manually matching color codes and calculating, you can just select the bands, and it gives you the resistance instantly.
Tolerance indicates how much the actual resistance value may vary from the labeled value. This is important in circuits that require precise resistance for proper operation.
4-band resistors are used in a variety of electronic devices and circuits, including:
Why should you use our tool? Here are some advantages:
A resistor with 5 or 6 bands provides more accuracy and additional information such as temperature coefficient. This calculator is for 4-band resistors only.
You can measure the resistor with a multimeter or consult the circuit diagram. Sometimes lighting can make bands look different, so examine under good light.
No. Surface-mount resistors typically use numeric codes instead of color bands. Use a different calculator for SMD resistor codes.
Yes, as long as the resistor follows the 4-band standard. Specialty resistors may not apply.
An electronics hobbyist was repairing an old audio amplifier. The resistor color bands had partially faded due to heat exposure. Instead of guessing, they used our calculator by entering the visible bands and testing possible combinations. Within minutes, they identified the correct resistor value and restored the circuit.
Sometimes resistance values are displayed in ohms, kilohms (kΩ), or megohms (MΩ). Here’s how to convert:
Use this table for quick conversion:
Understanding how to read a 4-band resistor is an essential skill in electronics. With the right knowledge and tools, anyone can decode resistor values with ease. Our 4 Band Resistor Color Code Calculator provides a fast, accurate, and user-friendly way to identify resistance values without needing to memorize complex color charts.
Whether you are a student learning electronics, a hobbyist building a new circuit, or a technician troubleshooting a board, this calculator is a reliable resource. Save time, avoid mistakes, and gain confidence in your resistor readings with our free online tool.
Access our 4 Band Resistor Color Code Calculator online and instantly decode resistor values. No downloads or installations – just pick the colors and get the result. Bookmark it, share it, and use it every time you work on electronics.