Reading Resistor Color Codes

The first two color bands on a resistor represent digits, and the third band is a multiplier that determines how many zeros to add. This calculator combines the two digits and multiplies by the selected multiplier to give the resistance value in ohms.

Why Color Codes Are Used

Resistors are often too small to print numbers on clearly, so manufacturers use standardized color bands that can be read at a glance once you know the code.