What is a 5-Band Resistor Color Code Calculator?
This tool is an online simulator designed to instantly determine the resistance (Ohms) and tolerance from the color bands on a resistor. It is specifically designed for 5-band precision resistors (typically metal film), which offer more accuracy than common 4-band resistors.
How to Read and Calculate Resistance
Resistor bands are read from left to right. The first three bands represent numerical values, the fourth is the multiplier, and the fifth is the tolerance. Our tool automates the following calculation:
- For 5-Band: (1st Digit × 100 + 2nd Digit × 10 + 3rd Digit) × Multiplier
For example, a resistor with colors "Brown, Black, Black, Red, Brown" is calculated as (1, 0, 0) × 100 = 10,000Ω, or 10kΩ (±1% tolerance).
Common Resistor Color Code Examples
| Value | 4-Band Colors | 5-Band Colors |
|---|---|---|
| 1kΩ | Brn-Blk-Red-Gld | Brn-Blk-Blk-Brn-Brn |
| 10kΩ | Brn-Blk-Org-Gld | Brn-Blk-Blk-Red-Brn |
| 4.7kΩ | Yel-Vio-Red-Gld | Yel-Vio-Blk-Brn-Brn |
Features of This Tool
- Completely Free: All features are available at no cost.
- No Registration: No account or login required.
- Privacy-Focused: All calculations happen in your browser; no data is sent to our servers.
How to Use
- Identify the color bands on your resistor from left to right.
- Select the corresponding colors in the dropdown menus. Note: the 5th band (tolerance) is often spaced slightly further apart.
- The result and the visual resistor model will update in real-time as you change the colors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A. 5-band resistors are usually "Precision Resistors." The extra band allows for more specific resistance values and tighter tolerances.
A. In most resistors, the tolerance band (5th) is spaced slightly further apart from the numerical bands. Also, Gold, Silver, or Brown bands at the end usually indicate the tolerance side (right).
A. No, all tools on HaruTools Lab are free. We operate via advertising revenue to keep our services accessible.