15 kΩ resistor color code
A 15 kΩ resistor is marked brown-green-orange-gold on a 4-band (±5%) resistor and brown-green-black-red-brown on a 5-band (±1%) resistor. Its SMD marking is 153 or 1502.
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 | Orange — Multiplier ×1k | Black — 3rd digit 0 |
| 4 | Gold — Tolerance ±5% | Red — Multiplier ×100 |
| 5 | — | Brown — Tolerance ±1% |
Check: 15 ×1k = 15 kΩ; 150 ×100 = 15 kΩ. A ±5% part measures between 14.25 kΩ and 15.75 kΩ.
Codes and series
| Schematic notation | 15k |
|---|---|
| SMD 3-digit | 153 |
| SMD 4-digit | 1502 |
| EIA-96 | 18C |
| E-series | E6, E12, E24, E96, E192 |
| Neighbouring E24 values | 13 kΩ and 16 kΩ |
Typical uses
A 15 kΩ resistor is the USB host pull-down: a USB host or hub ties both D+ and D− to ground through 15 kΩ so it can detect the device pull-up. It is also used in dividers, filters and op-amp gain networks.
Current and power at common voltages
The current and heat in a 15 kΩ 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 | 220 µA | 726 µW | 1/8 W |
| 5 V | 333 µA | 1.67 mW | 1/8 W |
| 9 V | 600 µA | 5.4 mW | 1/8 W |
| 12 V | 800 µA | 9.6 mW | 1/8 W |
| 24 V | 1.6 mA | 38.4 mW | 1/8 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 150 kΩ | Brown-Green-Yellow-Gold | Yellow ×10k |
| 1.5 MΩ | Brown-Green-Green-Gold | Green ×100k |
FAQ
What color code is a 15 kΩ resistor?
A 15 kΩ ±5% resistor is brown-green-orange-gold (4 bands). A 15 kΩ ±1% resistor is brown-green-black-red-brown (5 bands).
What is the SMD code for 15 kΩ?
153 on 3-digit (±5%) parts and 1502 on 4-digit (±1%) parts; EIA-96 parts are marked 18C.
Is 15 kΩ a standard resistor value?
Yes, it is in the E6, E12, E24, E96, E192 series.
How much power does a 15 kΩ resistor dissipate at 5 V?
With 5 V across it, 1.67 mW (P = V² ÷ R). A 1/8 W or larger resistor is enough.
Open 15 kΩ in the calculator →All values
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