4 Band Capacitor Color Code Calculator

Capacitance Formula:

\[ C = (band1 \times 10 + band2) \times 10^{band3} \]

Band 1 (1st Digit):

Band 2 (2nd Digit):

Band 3 (Multiplier):

Band 4 (Tolerance):

Capacitance Value:

Tolerance:

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1. What is a 4-Band Capacitor Color Code Calculator?

Definition: This calculator decodes the capacitance value and tolerance of ceramic capacitors based on their 4-band color coding system.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers, technicians, and hobbyists quickly determine capacitor values without memorizing the color code chart.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ C = (band1 \times 10 + band2) \times 10^{band3} \]

Where:

\( C \) — Capacitance value in picofarads (pF)
\( band1 \) — First significant digit (color-coded)
\( band2 \) — Second significant digit (color-coded)
\( band3 \) — Multiplier/exponent (color-coded)
\( band4 \) — Tolerance (color-coded)

Explanation: The first two bands represent significant digits, the third band is the multiplier (power of 10), and the fourth band indicates tolerance.

3. Color Code Reference

Band 1 & 2 (Digits):
Black (0), Brown (1), Red (2), Orange (3), Yellow (4), Green (5), Blue (6), Violet (7), Gray (8), White (9)

Band 3 (Multiplier):
Black (×0.01), Brown (×0.1), Red (×1), Orange (×10), Yellow (×100), Green (×1,000), Blue (×10,000), Violet (×100,000), Gray (×1,000,000)

Band 4 (Tolerance):
Black (±20%), Brown (±1%), Red (±2%), Orange (±3%), Yellow (±4%), Green (±0.5%), Blue (±0.25%), Violet (±0.1%), White (±5%)

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the color for each band from the dropdown menus. The calculator will display the capacitance value in pF, nF, or µF as appropriate, along with the tolerance.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are some capacitors color-coded?
A: Small ceramic capacitors often use color codes because there isn't enough space to print numeric values.

Q2: How do I read the capacitor if the bands aren't clear?
A: The wider spaced band is usually the tolerance band (band 4). Bands 1-3 are closer together.

Q3: What if my capacitor has more than 4 bands?
A: Additional bands may indicate voltage rating or temperature coefficient. This calculator handles standard 4-band codes.

Q4: Why does the calculator show pF, nF, and µF?
A: Different ranges are shown for convenience. 1,000 pF = 1 nF, and 1,000 nF = 1 µF.

Q5: Are all ceramic capacitors color-coded?
A: No, modern capacitors often use numeric codes. Color codes are more common on older or through-hole components.