A worked example
Brown, black, red, gold means 10 × 100 = 1,000 Ω, ±5%.
Resistor colors
Decode four- or five-band resistors with a labeled color diagram and tolerance range.
YOUR LITTLE WORKBENCH
Resistor colors
Start with an example and change it to your setup. Results update as you type.
Calculation method+
Resistance = significant digits × 10^multiplier. Four bands use two digits; five bands use three.
YOUR LIVE RESULT ✦
Nominal resistance
1,000 Ω- Tolerance
- 5 %
- Minimum value
- 950 Ω
- Maximum value
- 1,050 Ω
The first significant digit must be nonzero. Tolerance is decoded from its own band and is not a measured component value.
THE METHOD / 01
Know what goesinto your result.
Resistance = significant digits × 10^multiplier. Four bands use two digits; five bands use three.
Keep the assumptions clear
The first significant digit must be nonzero. Tolerance is decoded from its own band and is not a measured component value.
A FEW USEFUL ANSWERS
Good to know.
Are my inputs uploaded?
No. Calculations run locally in your browser. The host still receives normal requests for website pages and assets.
Can I keep my result?
Use the download controls for the current tool or print from your browser. Typing scores and camping plans can also be saved locally; see the privacy page for details.
Do I need an account?
No sign-up, paid API or subscription is required. Both language versions use the same calculation logic.
VOLTKIND / TOOLKIT
A little help for every step.
02
Resistor network
Calculate series and parallel equivalents for a list of positive resistance values.
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Voltage divider
Calculate unloaded or resistively loaded output voltage with current and resistor power estimates.
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RC time constant
Plot ideal charging or discharging and calculate voltage at a chosen time.
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