Resistor Colour Codes
The purpose of this applet is to demonstrate resistor colour codes.
The colour coding system applies to both carbon composition (cylindrical)
and carbon film resistors (cylindrical with enlarged ends) of the axial lead
type. This system is employed for resistors when the surface area is not
sufficient to print the resistance value. The first three bands closest to
one end of the resistor are used to determine the resistance. The fourth band
(which may not be present) represents the tolerance of the resistor.
Additional information can be obtained from the first band. If only this band
is wide, the resistor is wire wound. If this band is wide and there is
an additional fifth blue band, the resistor is wire wound and flame proof.
The colours of the first two bands represent the numerical value of the
resistor. The third band represents the power-of-10 multiplier. Press the
example button to demonstrate this explanation.
Using the choice boxes below, select the numerical values, power-of-10
multiplier and tolerance to determine the resistor's band colours.
Alternatively, choose the colours of a resistor you have to determine it's
values.
This document was created in the fall of 1998 by
William S. Brinson
as part of his senior thesis titled
Develop Java Applets to Assist in Education.
The java programs belong to
William S. Brinson
and were not modified.
The HTML document was modified on September 18, 2001 by
Brent Petersen.
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