How do I read a 4-band resistor?

The first two bands represent the first two digits of the resistance value. The third band is the multiplier (number of zeros). The fourth band (usually gold or silver and separated by a gap) is the tolerance.

Which end of the resistor do I start reading from?

Start from the end that has bands closer together. The tolerance band (often Gold or Silver) is usually set apart from the others. If in doubt, Gold/Silver is always the last band on a 4-band resistor.

What is the difference between 4-band and 5-band resistors?

5-band resistors are more precise. They use the first three bands for digits (instead of two), the fourth for the multiplier, and the fifth for tolerance. This allows for values like 125 ohms instead of just 120 or 130.

🎨 Resistor Color Code Calculator

Decode 4-band and 5-band resistors instantly. Visualize the bands and get accurate resistance values.

1st Band

2nd Band

Multiplier

Tolerance

Resistance Value

1 kΩ

±5%

Range: 950Ω - 1050Ω

💡 Expert Tips for Electronics

Memorize the mnemonic: "Black Beetles Running On Your Garden Bring Very Good Weather" (Black 0, Brown 1, Red 2, Orange 3, Yellow 4, Green 5, Blue 6, Violet 7, Gray 8, White 9). It sounds silly, but every engineer uses it.

Watch out for "Red-Red-Red-Gold". That's 2.2kΩ, one of the most common resistors for LED circuits. "Brown-Black-Red-Gold" is 1kΩ, the universal pull-up resistor.

Don't trust old resistors. Carbon composition resistors (the old brown cylindrical ones) can drift significantly in value over time due to moisture and heat. Always measure with a multimeter if precision matters.

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David Wong

Electrical Engineer

"I keep this calculator bookmarked. Even after 20 years of soldering, I sometimes mix up Blue (6) and Violet (7) under bad lighting. This visual tool eliminates the guesswork."