Yageo CFR Series
Common axial carbon film resistors for repair, service, and general-purpose sourcing.
Color band tool4-band
Resistor Color Code Calculator
Read 4-band and 5-band resistor color codes instantly with tolerance range output and sourcing-ready value summaries.
Pick the resistor bands to decode nominal resistance, tolerance, and the expected measurement range.
Band reference
Read standard resistor bands quickly
Band selector
Switch between 4-band and 5-band layouts and select each color to decode the resistor value.
Decoded resistor
4-bandNominal value
4.7 kOhm
This band combination decodes to 4.7 kOhm with ±5%, which helps when checking incoming stock or replacing through-hole parts.
Tolerance
±5%
Expected range
4.465 kOhm to 4.935 kOhm
Suggested search
4.7k ±5% resistor
Need components for your project? Search parts & check stock instantly.
Move from band reading to replacement sourcing
After decoding the resistor, search by value and tolerance to find stocked alternatives or approved replacements.
Suggested query
4.7k ±5% resistor
From bench to BOM
Need cross-reference help on multiple resistor lines?
Use the sourcing workflow when a quick color-band check becomes a larger replacement or shortage task.
Axial
UniOhm Metal Film
Useful for tighter tolerance replacement work and broad value coverage.
Vishay MRS25
Frequently specified for industrial maintenance and precision through-hole designs.
How to read resistor bands
What is a resistor color code?
A resistor color code calculator helps decode the painted bands on a through-hole resistor into resistance value, multiplier, and tolerance. It is widely used in repair work, incoming inspection, and education.
Four-band resistors usually carry two significant digits, a multiplier, and a tolerance band. Five-band resistors add a third significant digit, which is common on tighter-tolerance parts.
Resistor band formula and unit conversion
Band decode rule
R = significant digits \times multiplier,\ tolerance = final band
| Example bands | Decoded value | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Violet Red Gold | 4.7 kOhm | ±5% |
| Brown Black Orange Gold | 10 kOhm | ±5% |
| Brown Black Black Red Brown | 10 kOhm | ±1% |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about resistor color codes
How do I tell the reading direction of a resistor?
The tolerance band is usually offset from the others, so read from the opposite side toward it.
What is the difference between 4-band and 5-band resistors?
A 4-band resistor uses two significant digits, while a 5-band resistor uses three significant digits and is often more precise.
What does the gold band mean on a resistor?
Gold commonly means a multiplier of 0.1 or a tolerance of ±5%, depending on its position.