Five Band Resistor Calculator

Resistor Value Formula:

\[ R = (band1 \times 100 + band2 \times 10 + band3) \times 10^{band4} \]

First Band (Digit):

Second Band (Digit):

Third Band (Digit):

Fourth Band (Multiplier):

Fifth Band (Tolerance):

Resistance Value:

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1. What is a Five Band Resistor Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the resistance value and tolerance of five-band resistors based on their color codes.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers, technicians, and hobbyists quickly identify resistor values without manual calculation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ R = (band1 \times 100 + band2 \times 10 + band3) \times 10^{band4} \]

Where:

\( band1 \) — First significant digit (color-coded)
\( band2 \) — Second significant digit (color-coded)
\( band3 \) — Third significant digit (color-coded)
\( band4 \) — Multiplier (color-coded)
\( band5 \) — Tolerance (color-coded)

Explanation: The first three bands represent significant digits, the fourth is the multiplier (power of ten), and the fifth indicates tolerance.

3. Importance of Resistor Color Codes

Details: Five-band resistors provide more precise values (three significant digits) compared to four-band resistors, with tighter tolerance specifications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the color for each band from the dropdown menus. The calculator will display the resistance value in ohms and the tolerance range.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use five-band resistors?
A: Five-band resistors provide higher precision (three significant digits) and tighter tolerances than standard four-band resistors.

Q2: How do I read the bands?
A: Hold the resistor with the tolerance band (usually gold/silver) to the right. Read left to right: digit1, digit2, digit3, multiplier, tolerance.

Q3: What if my resistor has a sixth band?
A: A sixth band typically indicates temperature coefficient, which this calculator doesn't account for.

Q4: Why are some color options missing?
A: Certain colors aren't valid for certain positions (e.g., black can't be first digit, gold/silver only for multiplier/tolerance).

Q5: How accurate are these calculations?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but actual resistor values will vary within the specified tolerance range.