Resistor Color Coding: The beginner’s Guide

You might have observed the different color bands printed on the register. So now let’s find out how to find the value of this resistor from this color code.

Types of Resistor Color Coding

Now, the commercially available resistors can have either four, five, or six bands, depending upon the number of color bands. These resistors are known as either four-band, five-band, or six-band resistors.

4 Band Resistor

Let us find out how to find the value of these four-band resistors.

• So, if you see any four-band register, then you will find the four-color bands, and out of the four-color band, the first two band defines the first two digits of the value. Then the third one defines the multiplying factor for this resistor and the fourth one defines the tolerance value for the resistor.
• Depending on the color of this color code, the value of this resistor will change.
• So now let us find out the relationship between the color and the value that is represented by that particular color. So here is a table that defines the relationship between the different colors and the value that is represented by that particular color.

• So as you can see here, the first two columns of this table define the first two-color of this resistor, and depending upon the color of these color bands, the value that is represented by these two digits will change. Similarly, the next two columns define the multiplying factor, as well as the tolerance value for this resistor, and depending on the color of these color bands, these two parameters will also change.

Example:

So here we have one 4 band resistor. If you see here, the first two colors of this resistor are red and black, respectively. So this red color represents the value of two while this black color band represents the value of zero. Similarly, the third color band is of green color, so it represents the multiplying factor of power five and the fourth band is the tolerance band. So it represents the value of 10 %.

Know about Capacitor: The beginner’s Guide here.

5 Band Resistor

Now, let us find out how to find the value of the resistor when it has a five-color band.

In case of these 5 band resistor, the first 3 band defines the value of the resistor, and the fourth defines the multiplying factor and the fifth one defines the tolerance value for this resistor.

So here is a table for these 5 band resistor, which defines the value of each digit as well as the multiplying factor in the tolerance value, depending on the color of these color band.

Example:

We have one 5 band resistor and for these five 5 band resistor, the first band is of Red, so it defines the value of two. Similarly, the second band of these resistor is black. It defines the value of the zero and likewise the third color band is green color. It represents the value of five.

The fourth color is orange color and it defines the multiplying factor and the last one or the fifth one defines the total value for this resistor and it is of silver color.

Check out How Transistors Work – A basic Explanation here.

6 Band Resistor

6 Band resistors are not generally used in general-purpose applications, but they are used for specific applications and in military applications. So in these six band resistor, the first three, color band defines the first three digits of the value of the resistor and then the fourth one represents the multiplying factor, the fifth one represents a tolerance value for the resistor and then the last one define the TCR.

Here is a table from which we can find the value of the individual digits as well as the value of the multiplying factor.

Example:

If you observe this resistor here, the first one of this resistor of orange color, so basically defines the value of three. Then if you move to the next color band, then it is of yellow color. So it defines the value of four. Likewise, the third color is an ordinary green color and it defines the value of five. Now if you move to the next color when it is of brown color it defines the multiplying factor. So now let us combine the individual values. From these, let us find the value of the resistor below.

So I hope this will really understood how to find the value of the resistor from the different color bands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this beginner’s guide has illuminated the importance of resistor color coding. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, mastering this fundamental aspect of electronics is key to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of electronic circuits.

FAQs for Resistor Color Coding

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