Resistor Tolerance Range
R_max = R × (1 + tol)
Quick answer
This calculator solves R_min = R × (1 − tol), R_max = R × (1 + tol) for R_max. With Nominal Resistance 0.47 kΩ, Tolerance 20 %, the result is 564.
Calculator
Formula
Description
Every resistor has a tolerance band that specifies the range within which the actual resistance may fall. A 10 kΩ resistor with 5% tolerance could measure anywhere from 9.5 kΩ to 10.5 kΩ. The forward result returns the worst-case (maximum) value R × (1 + tol). For critical circuits such as precision voltage references, instrumentation amplifiers, and Wheatstone bridges, tight tolerance (0.1% or better) is essential. Standard tolerance bands are 20% (M), 10% (K), 5% (J), 2% (G), 1% (F), 0.5% (D), 0.25% (C), 0.1% (B).
Variables
- R — Nominal resistance (Ω)
- tol — Tolerance as a ratio (e.g., 0.05 for 5%)
Practical Notes
Enter tolerance as a ratio (0.01 for 1%, 0.05 for 5%) or use the % unit selector. The worst-case scenario in a voltage divider occurs when one resistor is at +tol and the other at −tol. For Monte Carlo analysis, resistor values typically follow a Gaussian distribution truncated at the tolerance limits.
Symbols and units
| Symbol | Meaning | Default unit | Accepted units |
|---|---|---|---|
| R | Nominal Resistance | Ω | mΩ, Ω, kΩ, MΩ |
| tol | Tolerance | % | —, % |
Step by step
- 1. What you know: Nominal Resistance 0.47 kΩ, Tolerance 20 %
- 2. The relation: R_min = R × (1 − tol), R_max = R × (1 + tol)
- 3. Substitute: R = 0.47 kΩ, tol = 20 %
- 4. Result: R_max = 564
Worked examples
Minimum range
Given: Nominal Resistance 1 Ω, Tolerance 0.5 %
Result: R_max = 1.005
Low range
Given: Nominal Resistance 10 Ω, Tolerance 5 %
Result: R_max = 10.5
Typical
Given: Nominal Resistance 0.47 kΩ, Tolerance 20 %
Result: R_max = 564
High range
Given: Nominal Resistance 4.7 kΩ, Tolerance 80 %
Result: R_max = 8460
Maximum range
Given: Nominal Resistance 47 kΩ, Tolerance 800 %
Result: R_max = 423000
How R_max changes with Nominal Resistance
| Nominal Resistance (input) | R_max (result) |
|---|---|
| 47 Ω | 56.4 |
| 117.5 Ω | 141 |
| 0.235 kΩ | 282 |
| 0.3525 kΩ | 423 |
| 0.47 kΩ | 564 |
| 0.705 kΩ | 846 |
| 0.94 kΩ | 1128 |
| 1.88 kΩ | 2256 |
| 3.29 kΩ | 3948 |
| 4.7 kΩ | 5640 |
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<p><a href="https://vbatpower.com/formulas/resistor-tolerance-range/">Resistor Tolerance Range</a> Calculator by vbatpower.com</p>Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate Resistor Tolerance Range?
Use R_min = R × (1 − tol), R_max = R × (1 + tol). With Nominal Resistance 0.47 kΩ, Tolerance 20 %, R_max works out to 564.
What is the formula for tolerance for resistance?
Rearrange for R_min: with Nominal Resistance 10 Ω, Tolerance 5 %, R_min is 10.5.
What is the formula for Resistor Tolerance Range?
The formula is R_min = R × (1 − tol), R_max = R × (1 + tol). Every resistor has a tolerance band that specifies the range within which the actual resistance may fall.
Related Concepts
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