5 band resistor color code chart

Introduction

In the world of electronics, resistors are like the unsung heroes. They play a crucial role in controlling the flow of current within a circuit, ensuring that electronic devices function as intended. To work with resistors effectively, one must understand how to read their color code chart. In this blog post, we'll delve into the 5-band resistor color code chart, a tool that allows engineers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts to identify a resistor's value quickly and accurately.

1. The Basics of Resistor Color Coding

Resistors are tiny components with various resistance values, which are measured in ohms (Ω). To make it easier to identify their resistance values, resistors are color-coded using a series of colored bands. The 5-band resistor color code chart provides a simple and standardized way to determine a resistor's resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes even its temperature coefficient.

2. Band Interpretation

The 5-band resistor color code consists of five colored bands, each representing a specific value or characteristic of the resistor:

   a. The First Band: This band represents the first digit of the resistor's value. Each color corresponds to a number (0-9), allowing you to determine the initial digit of the resistance.

   b. The Second Band: Similar to the first band, this one represents the second digit of the resistance value.

   c. The Third Band: The third band denotes the multiplier. It tells you how many zeros should be added after the first two digits to calculate the resistance value. For example, if the third band is red, the multiplier is 100.

   d. The Fourth Band (Tolerance Band): This band indicates the tolerance of the resistor, which tells you how much the actual resistance can deviate from the stated value. Common tolerance values include ±1%, ±2%, ±5%, and ±10%.

   e. The Fifth Band (Optional): Some resistors have a fifth band, which represents the temperature coefficient. It indicates how much the resistor's value changes with temperature variations.

3. Color Codes and Their Corresponding Values

To read the resistor color code, you need to know the color-to-number mapping. Here are the standard color codes and their corresponding values:

   - Black: 0

   - Brown: 1

   - Red: 2

   - Orange: 3

   - Yellow: 4

   - Green: 5

   - Blue: 6

   - Violet: 7

   - Gray: 8

   - White: 9

4. Example Calculation

Let's decipher a resistor's value using the 5-band color code as an example. Suppose you have a resistor with the following color bands: Yellow (4), Violet (7), Red (2), Gold (±5% tolerance). 

- The first band (Yellow) represents the first digit, which is 4.

   - The second band (Violet) represents the second digit, which is 7.

   - The third band (Red) represents the multiplier, which is 100.

   - The fourth band (Gold) indicates the tolerance, which is ±5%.

Now, you can calculate the resistance value as follows:

Resistance Value = (47 * 100) Ω = 4,700 Ω or 4.7 kΩ with a tolerance of ±5%.

Conclusion

The 5-band resistor color code chart is an essential tool for anyone working with electronics. It simplifies the process of identifying a resistor's resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes its temperature coefficient. By mastering this color code, you can confidently work with resistors in your electronic projects and troubleshoot circuits effectively. So, the next time you encounter a mysterious resistor, remember that its color bands hold the key to its value and purpose in your circuit.