Reading resistor coloured bands

Understanding Resistor Codes

What is a resistor band?

Practically all leaded resistors with a power rating up to one watt have a pattern of coloured bands that are used to indicate resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes even the temperature coefficient. There can be anywhere from three to six coloured bands on the body of a resistor, with four bands being the most common variation.

The first few bands always represent digits in the value of resistance.
Then you will find a multiplier band to signify moving the decimal right or left.

Multiple Choice

If the first band on a resistor is green, what digit does this represent?

• 5

• 100 000

• 500 000

• 50

Multiple Choice

If the second band on a resistor is black, what digit does this represent?

• 0

• 1

• 10

• 100

Multiple Choice

If the last band on a resistor is brown, you would...

• Multiply the sum of the bands by 10

• Use the digit 1 in your answer

• Add 1 zero to the end of the equation

Match

Match the colour band order to the correct Ohms

• Brown, Red, Orange

• Yellow, Green, Blue

• Blue, Blue, Blue

• Red, Grey, Yellow

• Green, Black, Green

12 000Ω

45 000 000Ω

66 000 000Ω

280 000Ω

5 000 000Ω

• 12 000Ω

• 45 000 000Ω

• 66 000 000Ω

• 280 000Ω

• 5 000 000Ω

Match

Match the Ohms to the correct colour order.

• 3 400Ω

• 9 800 000Ω

• 100 000Ω

Orange, Yellow, Red

White, Grey, Green

Brown, Black, Yellow

• Orange, Yellow, Red

• White, Grey, Green

• Brown, Black, Yellow

Fill in the Blank

Write the Ohms for the following colour order, Blue, Black, YellowΩΩΩ

Fill in the Blank

Write the Ohms for the following colour order, Violet, Gray, Red

Fill in the Blank

Write the first colour for 2300Ω

Fill in the Blank

Write the second colour for 2300Ω

Fill in the Blank

Write the third colour for 2300Ω