In a resistor color code, band D indicates what property?

• A. First digit
• B. Second digit
• C. Tolerance
• D. Decimal multiplier

Answer: (C)

Band D shows the tolerance of the resistor. After the first two bands provide the digits of the value and the third band gives the multiplier to scale that value, the fourth band tells you how much the actual resistance may vary from the stated value. This tolerance is what defines the precision of the component, often expressed as percentages like 1%, 5%, or 10%. Knowing the tolerance helps ensure the resistor will behave predictably in the circuit, especially where tight resistance accuracy is important. The other properties—the digits and the multiplier—are encoded in the earlier bands, not by the last one.