Inductor Color Code Calculator

Decoding the value of axial molded inductors requires careful precision, as these passive components frequently mimic the physical profile of standard resistors. This online inductor color code calculator converts the bands of through-hole inductors into exact inductance values, multipliers, and tolerance percentages instantly.

This tool allows you to determine inductance by axial inductor color coding and to determine axial inductor color coding by inductance. It displays Rated inductance and Inductor tolerance all in one easy to read chart.

Proper component identification prevents impedance mismatches and tuning issues in RF circuits, power supplies, and analog filters. Most molded inductors use a 4-band identification system. To read the bands accurately, position the component so that the wider or more distinct tolerance band is on the far right.

Important Note on Military Inductors (MIL-SPEC): Some military-grade inductors feature a wide silver band at the starting position (left). This does not indicate a multiplier or tolerance; it is a military identifier indicating high-reliability testing parameters. In this scenario, skip the wide silver band and read the subsequent four bands as standard digits, multiplier, and tolerance. The silver marker simply verifies that the inductor meets strict military environmental and performance standards.

Preventing Mistakes: Inductor vs. Resistor Identification

Because an axial molded inductor shares the same cylindrical epoxy body as a resistor, hardware developers often mix them up. To distinguish them look for these signs:

• Body Color: Inductors often have a distinct textured, matte green, cyan, or dark blue body coat, whereas modern film resistors lean toward light blue, beige, or grey.
• Proportions: Inductors are usually slightly thicker at the core with more pronounced tapering toward the wire leads.
• The Multimeter Check: When in doubt, a quick continuity check with a digital multimeter (DMM) helps. A small inductor reads as a very low DC resistance (often less than a few Ohms), whereas a resistor will match its specified color-coded Ohm rating.

We also offer tools to read color code of other electronic components: Resistor Color Code Calculator and Capacitor Color Code Calculator.