Understanding Inductor Color Codes

Learn how to read and decode inductor color bands with our free online calculator. This tool helps you quickly determine the inductance value and tolerance of your inductors.

How to Read Inductor Color Codes

Inductors, like resistors, use color bands to indicate their values. The color coding system follows a similar pattern:

Common Inductor Values

Inductors commonly range from a few microhenries (µH) to several millihenries (mH). Here are some typical values:

• 1 µH to 100 µH: Used in high-frequency circuits and RF applications
• 100 µH to 1 mH: Common in switching power supplies
• 1 mH to 10 mH: Found in audio equipment and filters

Color Code Reference

Each color represents a specific numerical value:

• Black (0): Multiplier ×1
• Brown (1): Multiplier ×10, ±1% tolerance
• Red (2): Multiplier ×100, ±2% tolerance
• Orange (3): Multiplier ×1,000
• Yellow (4): Multiplier ×10,000
• Green (5): Multiplier ×100,000
• Blue (6): Multiplier ×1,000,000
• Violet (7): Multiplier ×10,000,000
• Gray (8): Multiplier ×100,000,000
• White (9): Multiplier ×1,000,000,000
• Gold: Multiplier ×0.1, ±5% tolerance
• Silver: Multiplier ×0.01, ±10% tolerance

Applications and Uses

Inductors are essential components in many electronic circuits, including:

• Switching power supplies and voltage regulators
• RF circuits and wireless communications
• Audio equipment and speakers
• EMI/RFI filters
• Signal processing and filtering applications