# Resistor Color Code Calculator

Decode and encode 4-band, 5-band, 6-band, and SMD resistor markings

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/resistor-color-code-calculator

- **Category:** Math & Numbers

- **Keywords:** resistor, color code, smd, electronics, ohm, tolerance, temperature coefficient

## Overview

Switch between decode and encode modes. Decode reads color bands or SMD markings such as 472, 1001, 4R7, and 01C. Encode lets you enter a resistance value and get practical resistor markings back.

## Inputs

- **Mode** (select)
- **Format** (select)
- **SMD Style** (select)
- **Band 1** (select)
- **Band 2** (select)
- **Band 3** (select)
- **Multiplier Band** (select)
- **Tolerance Band** (select)
- **Tempco Band** (select)
- **SMD Code** (text): e.g. 472, 1001, 4R7, 01C
- **Resistance Value** (text): e.g. 4.7k, 1M, 330, 0R22
- **Tolerance** (select)
- **Temperature Coefficient** (select)
- **Decimal Precision** (number)

## When to use

- When identifying the resistance value and tolerance of a physical axial resistor using its colored bands.
- When reading surface-mount resistor markings like 472, 1001, or EIA-96 codes on a circuit board.
- When designing a circuit and needing to determine the correct color bands or SMD codes for a target resistance value.

## How it works

- Select the mode to either decode existing markings or encode a target resistance value.
- Choose the resistor format from 4-band, 5-band, 6-band, or SMD options.
- Specify the color bands or enter the SMD code for decoding, or input the resistance value, tolerance, and temperature coefficient for encoding.
- Read the calculated resistance value, tolerance percentage, and temperature coefficient, or view the generated color bands and SMD markings.

## Use cases

- Identifying unknown resistors salvaged from old electronics or mixed component bins.
- Verifying component values during PCB assembly and manual soldering tasks.
- Generating manufacturing specifications and color code references for hardware design documentation.

## Frequently asked questions

### What resistor formats does this calculator support?

It supports 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band color-coded axial resistors, as well as 3-digit, 4-digit, and EIA-96 SMD resistors.

### How do I decode an SMD resistor marked with '4R7'?

Select SMD format, enter '4R7' in the SMD Code field, and the tool will decode it to 4.7 Ohms.

### What is the difference between 5-band and 6-band resistors?

A 6-band resistor includes an additional sixth band indicating the temperature coefficient in ppm/K.

### Can I find the color bands for a specific resistance value?

Yes, switch the mode to 'Encode Resistance Value', enter your target resistance, and select the desired tolerance.

### What does the EIA-96 code format mean?

EIA-96 is a standard marking system for 1% tolerance SMD resistors using a two-digit code followed by a multiplier letter.

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