The Learning Circuit - Reading Resistor Chart Values

In this episode, we learn how to read resistor coders to learn the values of resistors. You’ll also learn how to differentiate through-hole resistors and surface mount resistors, as well as, determine the values of four band and five band resistors. There are through-hole resistors and surface mount resistors. Through-hole resistors have color bands on them. Resistors use a color coding system to indicate their value as well as their tolerance. Tolerance is the accuracy or margin of error of the resistor rating. This can Range anywhere from a fraction of a percent up to 20 percent. You can use the color coded resistor chart below to determine the digit multiplier or the tolerance that the color band represents. Resistors with a single black band are zero ohm resistors. Since they have the same packages as other resistors they can easily be placed on a PCB by automated machines. They’re often used as wire simply to connect traces. Karen shows you how to figure the values of some four and five band resistors.