Practical Guide to Decoding the Color Code of 4 Band Resistors

Welcome to a new entry in our electronics blog! On this occasion, we will learn how to interpret the color code of 4-band resistors, an essential skill for any electronics enthusiast or hobbyist. Resistors are fundamental components in electrical circuits, and understanding their value will allow us to select the appropriate resistor for our projects. Let's delve into the fascinating world of color code and learn how to read it with practical examples.

What is the Resistor Color Code?

Resistor color coding is a standard notation used to indicate the resistance value in ohms and its tolerance. 4-band resistors are the most common and have 4 colored bands arranged around the body of the resistor.

Step 1: Identify the Bands

The colored bands on a 4-band resistor represent digits and multipliers. The first band is the first digit, the second band is the second digit, the third band is the multiplier, and the fourth band (if present) indicates the tolerance.

Step 2: Decoding the Color Code

To decode the color code, follow these steps:

Step 2.1: Identify the colors

Each color has a numerical value associated with it. Here are the values for each color:

Black: 0

Brown: 1

Red: 2

Orange: 3

Yellow: 4

Green: 5

Blue: 6

Violet: 7

Gray: 8

White: 9

Step 2.2: Read the resistance value

Take as an example a resistor with the colors: yellow, violet, orange and gold.

First digit: Yellow → 4

Second digit: Violet → 7

Multiplier: Orange → x1000

We put the digits together: 47 x 1000 Ω = 47,000 Ω or 47 kΩ

Step 2.3: Read the tolerance (if present)

If there is a fourth band, it represents the resistance tolerance. The most common values are:

Gold: ±5%

Silver: ±10%

In our example, the fourth band is gold, which means the tolerance is ±5%.

Additional Examples

Resistance with colors: red, violet, brown, gold.

First digit: Red → 2

Second digit: Violet → 7

Multiplier: Brown → x10

Resistor value: 27 x 10 Ω = 270 Ω

Resistance with colors: brown, black, green, silver.

First digit: Brown → 1

Second digit: Black → 0

Multiplier: Green → x100,000

Resistor value: 10 x 100,000 Ω = 1,000,000 Ω or 1 MΩ

Conclusion

Congratulations! Now you know how to decode the color code of 4 band resistors. This skill will allow you to quickly identify the value of resistors in your projects and select the appropriate ones for your needs. Resistor is an essential component in electronics, and understanding its color code will open the doors to an exciting world of circuit creation and design. Dare to explore and experiment with resistors in your next electronic projects!