Resistor 5 Band Color Code Calculator

Resistance Formula:

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

First Band (Digit 1):

Second Band (Digit 2):

Third Band (Digit 3):

Fourth Band (Multiplier):

Fifth Band (Tolerance):

Resistance:

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1. What is a 5-Band Resistor Color Code Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the resistance value and tolerance of 5-band resistors based on their color codes.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers, technicians, and hobbyists quickly identify resistor values without memorizing the color code system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

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

Where:

\( R \) — Resistance in ohms (Ω)
\( band1 \) — First significant digit (first color band)
\( band2 \) — Second significant digit (second color band)
\( band3 \) — Third significant digit (third color band)
\( band4 \) — Multiplier/exponent (fourth color band)
\( band5 \) — Tolerance percentage (fifth color band)

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: Color coding allows quick identification of resistor values and tolerances, which is essential for circuit design, troubleshooting, and repair.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the color for each band from the dropdown menus. The calculator will display the resistance value with tolerance.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why do some resistors have 5 bands?
A: 5-band resistors provide higher precision with three significant digits instead of two, plus multiplier and tolerance bands.

Q2: How do I read the resistor if I don't know which end is first?
A: The tolerance band (usually gold, silver, or colored) is typically spaced farther apart or appears on the right side.

Q3: What if my resistor has 4 or 6 bands?
A: For 4-band resistors, ignore the third digit. For 6-band resistors, the sixth band typically indicates temperature coefficient.

Q4: Why are some resistance values displayed differently?
A: The calculator automatically converts to kΩ or MΩ when appropriate for readability (e.g., 1000Ω becomes 1kΩ).

Q5: What's the most common tolerance for resistors?
A: 5% (gold) is most common for general purpose, while 1% (brown) is common for precision applications.