What percentage tolerance is indicated by a gold resistor band?

The percentage tolerance indicated by a gold resistor band is ± 5%. This standard is part of the color code system used in resistors to denote their values and tolerances.

In practical terms, the tolerance indicates how much the actual resistance can deviate from the value specified by the color bands. For instance, if a resistor is rated at 100 ohms with a gold band, the resistance could actually be as low as 95 ohms or as high as 105 ohms. This tolerance range is important for designers and engineers who need to ensure that circuits function correctly within specified parameters.

The other color bands indicate different tolerances, but gold is widely recognized as representing ± 5%, making it a key reference for anyone working with electronic components. Understanding this aspect of resistors is critical for a technician when selecting appropriate components for a given application.