Reading resistor bands
The tolerance band is usually separated from the digit and multiplier bands. If the colors are hard to read, measure the resistor with a multimeter.
Example
Brown, black, red and gold means 10 x 100 = 1,000 ohms with +/-5% tolerance.
Common mistakes
Start reading from the end opposite the separated tolerance band. Gold and silver usually belong to multiplier or tolerance positions, not the first digit.
Limitations
This calculator covers standard 4-band resistors only. Five-band precision resistors, damaged bands and in-circuit readings need extra care.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17