Inductor Code Calculator: Convert Color Bands to Value

Understanding Inductor Color Codes

Inductor color codes are a standardized way to represent the inductance value and tolerance of an inductor. By reading the color bands on an inductor, you can determine its specifications quickly.

Color Code Band Representation

A typical inductor has four color bands, each representing a specific aspect of the inductor's value:

• 1st Band: First significant digit
• 2nd Band: Second significant digit
• 3rd Band: Multiplier
• 4th Band: Tolerance

Color Code Values

Color	Digit	Multiplier	Tolerance
Black	0	1	-
Brown	1	10	±1%
Red	2	100	±2%
Orange	3	1,000	-
Yellow	4	10,000	-
Green	5	100,000	±0.5%
Blue	6	1,000,000	±0.25%
Violet	7	10,000,000	±0.1%
Gray	8	100,000,000	±0.05%
White	9	1,000,000,000	-
Gold	-	0.1	±5%
Silver	-	0.01	±10%

Example

For an inductor with the following color bands:

• 1st Band (Yellow): 4
• 2nd Band (Violet): 7
• 3rd Band (Brown): × 10
• 4th Band (Gold): ±5% tolerance

The calculator would determine that this inductor has a value of 470 µH with ±5% tolerance.