About this calculator
Read from the end where the bands are bunched; the gold or silver tolerance band is usually on the right.
How to use it
- Choose the number of bands.
- Pick each colour.
- Read the value.
The formula
4 bands: digit, digit, multiplier, tolerance; 5 bands: three digits, multiplier, tolerance
- Digits
- black 0, brown 1, red 2, orange 3, yellow 4, green 5, blue 6, violet 7, grey 8, white 9
Worked example
Yellow, violet, red, gold
- Digits 4 and 7, multiplier × 100: 4,700 Ω = 4.7 kΩ.
- Gold is ± 5%, so 4.465 to 4.935 kΩ.
What the result means
The mnemonic BB ROY of Great Britain had a Very Good Wife lists the digit colours in order.
Assumptions
- Standard IEC 60062 colour code.
Limitations
- Faded colours can be misread; check with a multimeter.
Frequently asked questions
Which side do I read from?
The side with the bands closer together; the tolerance band is usually spaced apart on the right.
What does a gold multiplier mean?
× 0.1, for values under 10 Ω.
What is the sixth band?
The temperature coefficient, in parts per million per kelvin.
Last reviewed on 6 October 2026. Found a mistake? Tell us.