How do I know which direction to read?

Start with the digit band near the end of the body. The tolerance band is usually separated by a larger gap. If orientation is ambiguous, check the datasheet or measure with a multimeter.

Why are some sixth-band colors missing?

This calculator offers the six TCR colors documented in the cited Vishay chart. Other manufacturer markings need their own datasheets; no value is guessed.

Resistor Color Code Calculator

Read 4-, 5- and 6-band resistor markings with a live color preview, resistance range and supported temperature coefficients. All calculations run in your browser.

Number of bands

Digit 1

Digit 2

Multiplier

Tolerance

Result

4.7 kΩ ±5%

Nominal resistance: 4.7 kΩ
Tolerance: ±5%
Tolerance range: 4.465 kΩ – 4.935 kΩ

Commercial color bands only. Six-band TCR choices follow the Vishay chart: brown 100, red 50, orange 15, yellow 25, blue 10 and violet 5 ppm/°C. Check the component datasheet for other markings.

Format references

Vishay — Resistor color codes and temperature coefficients

Tool page updated: 2026-10-25

Result

Guide and example

Related tools

Format references