In this instructable, you will learn how to decode the colored bands on resistors. You might want to know how to do this if you have quite a few random resistors just lying around the house.

Step 1: Learning How to Color Code

Decoding the colored bands on resistors is quite easy when you know how to do it, and that talent could be crucial if you plan on your next electronic project working. Heres the color code in text, but if your a visual learner, you can use the pictures below.

First and Second Band

Black=0
Brown=1
Red=2
Orange=3
Yellow=4
Green=5
Blue=6
Violet=7
Grey=8
White=9

Third Stripe (Multiplier) ONLY

Black=1
Brown=10
Red=100
Orange=1,000
Yellow=10,000
Green=100,000
Blue=1,000,000
Violet=10,000,000
Grey=100,000,000
White=1,000,000,000
Gold=0.10
Silver=0.01

Fourth Stripe (Tolerance) ONLY

Brown=±1%
Red=±2%
Green=±0.5%
Blue=±0.25%
Violet=±0.1%
Grey=±0.05%
Gold=±5%
Silver=±10%
None=±20%

Step 2:

If you still have no idea what you have just read, your not stupid, you just have to use a color code calculator. You can use one in the link below. Comments please.

Color Code Calculator