Resistor Color Codes

Resistors

Color Code

Absolute Value Code

Color	Number	Multiplier
Black	0	10⁰
Brown	1	10¹
Red	2	10²
Orange	3	10³
Yellow	4	10⁴
Green	5	10⁵
Blue	6	10⁶
Violet	7	10⁷
Grey	8	10⁸
White	9	10⁹

Tolerance Code

Color	Tolerance
Brown	± 1%
Gold	± 5%
Silver	± 10%
No Color	± 20%

In the resistor above, the first line is orange, therefore the first digit is 3. The second line is white, therefore the second digit is 9. The third line is brown, therefore the multiplier is 10. The fourth line is silver, therefore the tolerance is ± 10%. This resistor has the value (39)*(10) ± (10%) = 390 ±10%.

NOTE 1% resistors have 3 digits, multiplier and then brown tolerance band. (Five bands in all).

Note: Resistors are linear circuit elements. This means that they are Ohmic (their resistance is constant* and they produce a current proportional to the voltage applied).

Resistors come in several power ratings. If the power being dissipated through a resistor as heat exceeds the resistor's power rating then the resistor will melt and burn! The resistors below (from top to bottom) are designed to handle 1/4, 1/2, 1 and 10 watts.