A 5-band resistor uses three significant digit bands, one multiplier band, and one tolerance band to denote precision values, typically 1%, 2%, or 0.5%. While 4-band resistors cover standard E24 values, the 5-band system is mandatory for E96 series precision components where three significant figures are required to define the exact resistance. Below is the complete reference data, orientation rules, and the critical power derating parameters that the color bands alone will not show you.
The Complete 5-Band Resistor Color Code Chart (IEC 60062)
The following table is governed by the IEC 60062:2016 standard for resistor and capacitor color codes. This is the definitive lookup for through-hole axial components.
| Color | 1st Digit (Band 1) | 2nd Digit (Band 2) | 3rd Digit (Band 3) | Multiplier (Band 4) | Tolerance (Band 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | 0 | 0 | ×1Ω (100) | - |
| Brown | 1 | 1 | 1 | ×10Ω (101) | ±1% (F) |
| Red | 2 | 2 | 2 | ×100Ω (102) | ±2% (G) |
| Orange | 3 | 3 | 3 | ×1kΩ (103) | - |
| Yellow | 4 | 4 | 4 | ×10kΩ (104) | - |
| Green | 5 | 5 | 5 | ×100kΩ (105) | ±0.5% (D) |
| Blue | 6 | 6 | 6 | ×1MΩ (106) | ±0.25% (C) |
| Violet | 7 | 7 | 7 | ×10MΩ (107) | ±0.1% (B) |
| Grey | 8 | 8 | 8 | - | ±0.05% (A) |
| White | 9 | 9 | 9 | - | - |
| Gold | - | - | - | ×0.1Ω (10-1) | ±5% (J) |
| Silver | - | - | - | ×0.01Ω (10-2) | ±10% (K) |
How to Read the Table and Orient the Component
To use this table correctly, you must first understand which column applies to your specific installation requirement and how to physically orient the component. The Digit columns (1-3) establish the base significant figures. The Multiplier column dictates the order of magnitude (the decimal placement). The Tolerance column defines the permissible deviation from the nominal value, which directly dictates whether the part is suitable for precision feedback loops (requires ≤1%) or general pull-up/pull-down tasks (5% is acceptable).
For example, a resistor reading Brown-Black-Black-Red-Brown translates to: 1 (Brown) - 0 (Black) - 0 (Black) × 100 (Red) with a ±1% tolerance (Brown). The calculated value is 100 × 100 = 10,000Ω, or 10kΩ ±1%.
Quick-Jump Reference: Most Queried 5-Band Values
Bookmark this section for rapid bench verification. These are the most frequently queried E24/E96 overlap values in 1% metal film applications.
| Target Value | Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3 | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100Ω | Brown | Black | Black | Black | Brown |
| 220Ω | Red | Red | Black | Black | Brown |
| 1kΩ | Brown | Black | Black | Brown | Brown |
| 4.7kΩ | Yellow | Violet | Black | Brown | Brown |
| 10kΩ | Brown | Black | Black | Red | Brown |
| 100kΩ | Brown | Black | Black | Orange | Brown |
What the Color Code Cannot Tell You (Derating & Limits)
The IEC 60062 color code chart provides the nominal resistance and tolerance, but it is completely blind to the component's physical limitations. Relying solely on the color bands for circuit design will lead to thermal failure if you ignore power derating.
How Derating Modifies the Base Value
Resistor power ratings (e.g., 1/4W, 1/2W) are specified at a standard ambient temperature, typically 70°C. As ambient temperature rises, the maximum allowable power dissipation must be linearly derated to prevent the resistive film from degrading or the PCB pad from lifting. According to standard MIL-PRF-55182 derating curves, a 1/4W resistor operating at 100°C ambient must be derated to approximately 45% of its nominal rating (0.1125W). By 155°C, the derating factor hits 0%, meaning the resistor can dissipate no power without exceeding its maximum operating temperature.
Hidden Parameters Not in the Table
- Power Rating: Dictated entirely by physical mass and dimensions (e.g., an 0805 SMD vs. a 6mm axial body), not the paint bands.
- Maximum Working Voltage: A 10MΩ 1/4W resistor theoretically could dissipate 0.25W at 1581V (P = V2/R). However, the physical gap between the end caps will arc over long before that. Standard 1/4W axial resistors are typically limited to 250V or 350V maximum working voltage.
- Temperature Coefficient (TCR): While a 6th band sometimes denotes TCR (e.g., Brown for 100ppm/°C), standard 5-band resistors hide this in the datasheet. A 1% metal film might drift 50ppm/°C, altering the base value in high-heat environments.
Verification Decision Tree: Identify or Specify Your Resistor
Use this decision path to resolve bench identification issues or specify the correct replacement part for a repair or prototype.
| Condition / Symptom | Diagnostic Step | Concrete Action / Part Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Bands are faded, burnt, or ambiguous (e.g., Red vs. Orange under fluorescent light). | Do not guess based on color. Isolate the component from the circuit (desolder one leg) to avoid parallel path errors. | Measure with a digital multimeter using the Ω range. If the reading fluctuates, the resistive film is cracked; discard and replace. |
| Designing a precision feedback network (e.g., op-amp gain stage, ADC voltage divider). | Calculate required ratio. Standard 5% (4-band) will introduce unacceptable gain error. | Select a 5-band, 1% or 0.1% tolerance metal film resistor. Specify a low TCR (≤25ppm/°C) part like the Vishay MRS25 or Yageo MFR-25 series. |
| Resistor is running hot to the touch (>80°C) in a high-ambient enclosure. | Calculate actual power dissipation (I2R). Check against the 70°C derating curve. | Upsize the physical package. Replace the 1/4W axial with a 1/2W or 1W metal oxide film resistor (e.g., Vishay PR01 series) to shift the thermal derating curve upward. |
| Need a standard pull-up/pull-down or current-limiting LED resistor. | Precision is irrelevant; cost and availability are priority. | Default to a standard 1/4W, 5% carbon or thick film resistor (4-band). No need to source expensive 5-band E96 precision components. |
For further calculation verification, cross-reference your physical readings with digital tools like the All About Circuits Resistor Color Code Calculator or review fundamental component behaviors via the SparkFun Resistor Tutorial.
