Token Resistor
Color Coding
& Marking System
Token Electronics Industry Co., Ltd.
Taiwan: No.137, Sec. 1, Zhongxing Rd., Wugu District,
New Taipei City, Taiwan, R.O.C. 24872
Tel: +886 2981 0109 Fax: +886 2988 7487
China: 12F, Zhong Xing Industry Bld., Chuang Ye Road,
Nan Shan District, Shen Zhen City,
Guang Dong, China 518054
Tel: +86 755 26055363; Fax: +86 755 26055365
Web: www.token.com.tw
Email: rfq@token.com.tw
Version:
January 12, 2017
Taiwan Factory: +886 2 29810109
http://www.token.com.tw
rfq@token.com.tw
China Factory: +86 755 26055363
Page: 1/3
RESISTOR COLOR CODE
Token resistor color coding system
Token resistor color coding system applies to carbon film, metal oxide film, fusible, precision metal
film, and wire wound (cylindrical with enlarged ends) of the axial lead type. This system is employed
for resistors when the surface area is not sufficient to print the resistance value for the past time. At
present, token resistor color coding system is applying for automation. The first three bands closest to
one end of the resistor are used to determine the resistance. The fourth band represents the tolerance of
the resistor. Additional information can be obtained from the first band. Generally, if an additional fifth
band is black, the resistor is wire wound resistor. If an additional fifth band is white, the resistor is
fusible resistor. If only one black band in the center, the resistor is called zero ohm resistor. The colors
of the first two bands represent the numerical value of the resistor. The third band represents the
power-of-10 multiplier.
How to read the resistor code
First find the tolerance band, it will typically be gold (5%) and sometimes silver (10%).
Starting from the other end, identify the first band - write down the number associated with that color; in this case Red is 2.
Now 'read' the next color, here it is red so write down a 2 next to the two. (You should have '22' so far.)
Now read the third or 'multiplier' band and write down that number of 1.
In this example, the 'multiplier' band is Black so we get 22 Ω.
If the 'multiplier' band is Gold move the decimal point one to the left.
If the 'multiplier' band is Silver move the decimal point two places to the left.