Inductor Color Code Calculator
Pick 4 color bands and read the inductance value (µH) and tolerance instantly.
What it does: Translate the 4 color bands on an inductor into an inductance value and tolerance.
When to use it: When the inductor in hand has no printed digits, only color bands, and you need to read the value quickly.
Four bands in order: digit · digit · multiplier band? · tolerance band? .
MEANS Nominal —, tolerance —, actual range about —.
No history yet. Each calculation is automatically saved to this device.
How to use the inductor color code calculator
Start from the near end → pick each band color → read the inductance.
- 01
Read from one end
Start from the end where the bands sit closer together; the four bands are, in order, digit · digit · multiplier · tolerance.
- 02
Pick each band color
Choose the matching color in the four drop-downs; the result is computed live and the unit switches automatically between nH/µH/mH.
- 03
Check the tolerance
Last band gold = ±5%, silver = ±10%; use it to judge the allowed error range around the nominal value.
Inductor color band chart (same color table as resistors)
The digit/multiplier/tolerance color codes match resistors; only the reading unit is microhenries (µH).
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | ×1 | — |
| Brown | 1 | ×10 | ±1% |
| Red | 2 | ×100 | ±2% |
| Orange | 3 | ×1k | — |
| Yellow | 4 | ×10k | — |
| Green | 5 | — | — |
| Gold | — | ×0.1 | ±5% |
| Silver | — | ×0.01 | ±10% |
IEC 60062 color table (shared with resistor-color-code), reading unit µH.
Common questions, answered in 3 minutes
Are inductor color bands the same as resistor color bands?
The color-to-digit/multiplier/tolerance mapping is identical (both follow IEC 60062); the only difference is that the inductor value is read in microhenries (µH), while resistors are in ohms (Ω).
Which end do I read from?
The tolerance band (gold/silver) is usually at the end and set slightly back from the edge; start from the other end (the side where the digit bands are packed close). Reading it backwards gives a very different value.
What do gold/silver bands mean?
In the multiplier position: gold = ×0.1, silver = ×0.01 (used for small inductors); in the last position: gold = ±5%, silver = ±10% (tolerance). The meaning depends on the position.
What if there are only 3 bands?
Some small inductors omit the tolerance band, defaulting to ±20%. This tool reads four bands, so set the tolerance band to match your actual part.
Which wins when the color bands and the printed marking (e.g. "4R7") disagree?
Treat the physical datasheet/marking as authoritative; the color bands are a reference estimate. Verify the part specs before production.
Standards and sources referenced by this tool
| Item | Value / Formula | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Digit/multiplier/tolerance | IEC 60062 color table | Shared with resistor color bands |
| Reading unit | microhenries µH | EIA inductor color code convention |
The color bands are a reference estimate; treat the part marking / datasheet as authoritative for the actual value.