How to Identify Resistor Values

You need your resistors to do this activity. Resistors are parts of a circuit that slow down electric current. 

​Sometimes, it is not written what resistance value (in Ohms) a resistor has. When this happens, you need to figure it out from the colors on the resistors. This activity will teach you how to do this. 

Color code rules

The rules on how to use the resistor's colors to figure out its resistance is to the right. 

They do not just write the number on it because these resistors are so small that words would not be visible/legible.

Tip for orientating resistors: metallic bands (gold/silver) are always on the right most side.

Let's use this table to help solve an example. 

Example Resistor

In this example resistor:
The colors: Green, Brown, Black, Brown, Brown 

We can use the table to find the amount. 
1st Band: Green = 5 
2nd Band: Brown = 1 
3rd Band: Black = 0
4th Band: Brown = x10 
5th Band: Brown = 1% 
That makes this resistor's value 
​510*10 so 5100 with 1% tolerance
5100 Ohms is 5.1 kiloOhms.
   *Kilo means thousand

Using online calculators to find resistances

Sometimes, you just want to use a calculator to find the resistance values for you quickly. 
Let's go to this calculator website and identify all of the resistors in your kit. 
If your resistor strips do not have resistances written on them, write in pin on it when you get it.  
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