150 Ω resistor color code
A 150 Ω resistor is marked brown-green-brown-gold on a 4-band (±5%) resistor and brown-green-black-black-brown on a 5-band (±1%) resistor. Its SMD marking is 151 or 1500.
Reading the bands
| Band | 4-band (±5%) | 5-band (±1%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown — 1st digit 1 | Brown — 1st digit 1 |
| 2 | Green — 2nd digit 5 | Green — 2nd digit 5 |
| 3 | Brown — Multiplier ×10 | Black — 3rd digit 0 |
| 4 | Gold — Tolerance ±5% | Black — Multiplier ×1 |
| 5 | — | Brown — Tolerance ±1% |
Check: 15 ×10 = 150 Ω; 150 ×1 = 150 Ω. A ±5% part measures between 142.5 Ω and 157.5 Ω.
Codes and series
| Schematic notation | 150R |
|---|---|
| SMD 3-digit | 151 |
| SMD 4-digit | 1500 |
| EIA-96 | 18A |
| E-series | E6, E12, E24, E96, E192 |
| Neighbouring E24 values | 130 Ω and 160 Ω |
Typical uses
A 150 Ω resistor gives the textbook 20 mA for a red LED on 5 V: (5 V − 2 V) ÷ 150 Ω = 20 mA. Many modern LEDs are bright at 5–10 mA, so 220–470 Ω is often enough, but 150 Ω remains the value most LED tables start from.
Current and power at common voltages
The current and heat in a 150 Ω resistor depend on the voltage across the resistor itself (not necessarily the supply voltage). Choose a resistor rated at least twice the power shown.
| Voltage across it | Current | Power | Minimum rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 V | 22 mA | 72.6 mW | 1/4 W |
| 5 V | 33.3 mA | 167 mW | 1/2 W |
| 9 V | 60 mA | 540 mW | 2 W |
| 12 V | 80 mA | 960 mW | 2 W |
| 24 V | 160 mA | 3.84 W | 10 W |
Don't mix it up with
Values with the same digits differ only in the multiplier band, so check that band carefully:
| Value | 4-band code | Multiplier band |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Ω | Brown-Green-Gold-Gold | Gold ×0.1 |
| 15 Ω | Brown-Green-Black-Gold | Black ×1 |
| 150 Ω | Brown-Green-Brown-Gold | Brown ×10 |
| 1.5 kΩ | Brown-Green-Red-Gold | Red ×100 |
| 15 kΩ | Brown-Green-Orange-Gold | Orange ×1k |
FAQ
What color code is a 150 Ω resistor?
A 150 Ω ±5% resistor is brown-green-brown-gold (4 bands). A 150 Ω ±1% resistor is brown-green-black-black-brown (5 bands).
What is the SMD code for 150 Ω?
151 on 3-digit (±5%) parts and 1500 on 4-digit (±1%) parts; EIA-96 parts are marked 18A.
Is 150 Ω a standard resistor value?
Yes, it is in the E6, E12, E24, E96, E192 series.
How much power does a 150 Ω resistor dissipate at 5 V?
With 5 V across it, 167 mW (P = V² ÷ R). A 1/2 W or larger resistor is enough.
Open 150 Ω in the calculator →All values
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