Resistor colour code calculator
The value of a 4 or 5-band resistor from its colours.
How it works
The first bands give the significant digits, the next one the power of ten, the last the tolerance. Mnemonic: "Bad Beer Rots Our Young Guts But Vodka Goes Well".
Results are for guidance only and do not replace professional advice.
Worked example
With the default values:
- 1st bandBrown
- 2nd bandBlack
- 3rd band (5-band only)— (4-band resistor)
- MultiplierRed (× 10^2)
- ToleranceGold (± 5%)
you get:
- Value1 kΩ ± 5 %
- Actual range950 Ω – 1.05 kΩ
- Bands4
- In ohms1,000 Ω
Frequently asked questions
How does the “Resistor colour code calculator” tool work?
The first bands give the significant digits, the next one the power of ten, the last the tolerance. Mnemonic: "Bad Beer Rots Our Young Guts But Vodka Goes Well".
What do I need to enter?
Just fill in: 1st band, 2nd band, 3rd band, multiplier, tolerance. The result updates as you type.
Can you give an example?
1st band: Brown; 2nd band: Black; 3rd band (5-band only): — (4-band resistor); Multiplier: Red (× 10^2); Tolerance: Gold (± 5%) → Value: 1 kΩ ± 5 %; Actual range: 950 Ω – 1.05 kΩ.
Is this calculator free, and is my data private?
Yes. HOD Calc is completely free with no sign-up. The calculation runs in your browser: nothing you type is sent or stored.