Electronics guide
Identifying Component Values
Decode common component markings including four-band through-hole resistors, ceramic capacitor codes and three-digit SMD resistor values.
About this guide
Many electronic components do not print their value in plain text. This collection explains the colour bands, numeric codes and package markings used on some of the most common resistors and capacitors.
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Guide contents
4-Band Resistor Identification
Learn how the four colour bands on common through-hole resistors encode the resistance value and tolerance.
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Ceramic Disc Capacitor Identification
Decode the three-number value markings commonly printed on through-hole ceramic capacitors.
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SMD Resistor Identification
Read the three-digit markings used on many larger SMD resistors and turn them into resistance values.
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Each published chapter can be opened directly, while this page remains the permanent index for the complete guide.