Five-band and six-band resistors look similar because both begin with three significant digits. In the common model, band 4 is the multiplier and band 5 is tolerance. A six-band code adds one more band for temperature coefficient, usually expressed in ppm/K. Misclassifying the format can change the decoded value substantially, so use the Resistor Color Code Calculator with the actual band count.
Five-band order
Read digit one, digit two, digit three, multiplier, and tolerance. Brown, black, red, brown, brown means 102 x 10 = 1,020 ohms with +/- 1 percent. The third digit is the key distinction from a four-band code: red is 2, not the multiplier. Precision resistor series commonly use five bands because three significant digits provide a closer nominal value.
Six-band order
A six-band code keeps the five-band sequence and adds temperature coefficient after tolerance. Brown, black, red, brown, brown, red means 1,020 ohms, +/- 1 percent, and 50 ppm/K in the common chart. Temperature coefficient describes how resistance changes with temperature; it is not a second tolerance and should not be folded into the nominal ohm value.
Five-band versus six-band
| Format | Band 1-3 | Band 4 | Band 5 | Band 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-band | Three significant digits | Multiplier | Tolerance | Not used |
| 6-band | Three significant digits | Multiplier | Tolerance | TCR in ppm/K |
Worked examples
| Marking | Format | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown, Black, Black, Brown, Brown | 5-band | 100 x 10 | 1 kohm +/- 1% |
| Brown, Black, Red, Brown, Brown | 5-band | 102 x 10 | 1.02 kohm +/- 1% |
| Red, Red, Black, Brown, Gold | 5-band | 220 x 10 | 2.2 kohm +/- 5% |
| Yellow, Violet, Black, Brown, Brown | 5-band | 470 x 10 | 4.7 kohm +/- 1% |
| Orange, Orange, Black, Black, Brown | 5-band | 330 x 1 | 330 ohm +/- 1% |
| Green, Blue, Black, Brown, Brown | 5-band | 560 x 10 | 5.6 kohm +/- 1% |
| Brown, Black, Red, Brown, Brown, Red | 6-band | 102 x 10 | 1.02 kohm +/- 1%, 50 ppm/K |
| Brown, Black, Black, Brown, Gold, Blue | 6-band | 100 x 10 | 1 kohm +/- 5%, 10 ppm/K |
| Red, Red, Black, Brown, Brown, Grey | 6-band | 220 x 10 | 2.2 kohm +/- 1%, 1 ppm/K |
| White, White, White, Brown, Brown | 5-band | 999 x 10 | 9.99 kohm +/- 1%; verify unusual marking |
Count the bands from spacing and role
Closely grouped bands are usually the digits and multiplier. A wider gap often appears before tolerance, and the final TCR band may have another visible separation. Do not count the leads, body edge, or printed text as a band. If the final mark is unclear, record both possible readings and check the part series or datasheet.
Common mistakes
Do not read a five-band part as four bands merely because the third digit is black. Do not treat the sixth band as another zero or multiplier. A six-band code can have the same nominal ohms as a five-band code, but the final band adds a temperature specification rather than changing the resistance.
How the calculator handles five and six bands
Choose five bands when three significant digits are followed by multiplier and tolerance. Choose six when a final TCR band is actually present. The calculator keeps the TCR in the segment breakdown and does not include it in the resistance formula. If a final mark is uncertain, compare both band counts and verify the part family.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the third band matter?
In five- and six-band formats it is the third significant digit. Treating it as a multiplier produces a different value.
Is every six-band resistor precision grade?
Six bands usually indicate that TCR is being specified, but the color pattern alone does not establish the full performance grade.
Can a five-band and six-band resistor have the same value?
Yes. The sixth band adds TCR information; it does not automatically change the nominal resistance.
Source and limits
This guide follows IEC 60062-style resistor color marking practice and the color/value conventions used in common through-hole manufacturer tables. Color decoding identifies the nominal marking; it does not prove that a particular part is genuine, undamaged, correctly installed, or available in the stated power rating.
- Use the Resistor Color Code Calculator as a reading aid, then compare the result with the component body, schematic, bill of materials, and datasheet.
- Gold, silver, faded paint, unusual spacing, and manufacturer-specific marks can create more than one plausible reading.
- Do not use a color-only result as a safety, installation, procurement, customs, or compliance decision.
Related guides
Temperature Coefficient explains ppm/K; The Color Code Chart lists the role values; and How to Read Resistor Color Codes covers general orientation.