220 Ohm Resistor Color Code & Applications

Ever peeked inside an electronic gadget like a toy, a phone charger, or an Arduino project? Chances are, you saw a small circuit board dotted with colorful components. Among the most common are resistors. These little parts control the flow of electricity.  

Think of them like tiny dams or narrow pipes for electricity. One resistor value you see everywhere is 220 Ohms. This article explains what a 220 Ohm resistor is, how to identify it by its color bands, and where you might find it working hard. 

What is a 220 Ohm Resistor?​

A 220 ohm resistor is a passive electronic component with a resistance value of 220 ohms (Ω). Its primary function is to limit or regulate the flow of electric current in a circuit.

The “220 ohm” value indicates that it resists the flow of current by 220 ohms according to Ohm’s Law (V = IR). If you want to learn more about Ohm's Law and how to calculate, use the Ohm's Law Calculator tool.

220 Ohm Resistor Symbol​

In electronic circuit diagrams (schematics), a 220 ohm resistor is represented using the standard resistor symbol with the value labeled next to it. The symbol does not change based on resistance value — the "220Ω" label distinguishes it as a 220 ohm resistor.

a)IEC (International – most common)

                                                                  ──[220Ω]──

 ──┤├──   (with "220Ω" written above or beside)

b)ANSI (American)

 ──/\/\/──
     220Ω

Example:

   Vcc
    |
                  [R1]  ← 220Ω
    |
   LED
    |
   GND

1.Resistance Value

2. Power Rating

3. Temperature Coefficient

4. Construction Types

5. Color Code (4-Band)

Bands: Red (2), Red (2), Brown (×10), Gold (±5%)

6. Applications

7.Package/Sizes

0805: 0.08" × 0.05"

0603: Smaller footprint for compact PCBs.

8. Voltage Limit

Max Working Voltage: ~250V for 0.25W (but check datasheet).

Key Considerations When Selecting a 220Ω Resistor

​

A 220 Ohm resistor is available in multiple package types, each suited for different applications (through-hole, surface-mount, etc.). Here’s a breakdown of the most common packages:

1.Through-Hole Resistors (PTH)

Description: Cylindrical body with leads on both ends.

Typical Sizes:

1/4W (0.25W): ~6.3mm long, 2.5mm diameter.

1/2W (0.5W): Larger body (~9mm long).

Color Code: Red-Red-Brown-Gold (for ±5% tolerance).

Applications: Breadboards, DIY circuits, prototyping.

Description: Leads on one side (used in tight PCB layouts).

Applications: Older PCBs, high-density boards.

2.Surface-Mount Resistors (SMD)

0201: 0.02" × 0.01" (0.6mm × 0.3mm) – Ultra-compact (challenging to hand-solder).

0402: 0.04" × 0.02" (1.0mm × 0.5mm) – Common in smartphones, wearables.

0603: 0.06" × 0.03" (1.6mm × 0.8mm) – Popular for compact PCBs.

0805: 0.08" × 0.05" (2.0mm × 1.25mm) – General-purpose, easy to solder.

1206: 0.12" × 0.06" (3.2mm × 1.6mm) – Higher power (up to 0.25W).

220Ω: Usually labeled "221" (22 × 10¹ = 220Ω).

Consumer electronics (phones, laptops).

High-density PCBs, automated assembly.

3.High-Power Packages

Description: Wire coiled around a core for high power handling.

Power Ratings: 1W, 5W, 10W+, often in ceramic or aluminum cases.

Applications: Power supplies, motor controls.

Description: Large, heatsink-compatible packages.

Power Ratings: 5W to 50W+.

Applications: Industrial equipment, amplifiers.

4.Specialized Packages

Description: Multiple resistors in a single IC-like package.

Example: 8× 220Ω resistors in a DIP-8 footprint.

Applications: Digital logic pull-ups, LED arrays.

Description: Cylindrical SMD resistors (higher reliability).

Sizes: MiniMELF (Ø1.5mm), MELF (Ø2.2mm).

Applications: Automotive, medical devices.

Comparison Table

Here’s a clear breakdown of the color code for a 220 Ohm resistor, including variations for different tolerances and band types:

Standard 4-Band Resistor (220Ω ±5%)

5-Band Resistor (220Ω ±1% or higher precision)

Bands: Red (2) – Red (2) – Black (0) – Black (×1) – Brown (±1%)

Calculation: 220 × 100 = 220 Ω

Note:

6-Band Resistor (220Ω with Temperature Coefficient)

SMD (Surface Mount) Marking

Quick Reference Table

Reading resistor color codes isn't magic. You just need a little system and practice. Follow these steps:

1.Find the Direction: Hold the resistor so that the tolerance band (often Gold or Silver) is on your right side. If there's no tolerance band, or you see a gap between bands, the band closest to the edge on your left is Band 1.

2.Decode Band 1: Look at the first band (farthest left). Match its color to a number (0 to 9) using the standard color chart. (e.g., Red = 2).

3.Decode Band 2: Look at the second band. Match its color to a number (0 to 9). (e.g., Red = 2).

4.Decode Band 3 (Multiplier): The third band tells you how many zeros to add to the first two numbers. It uses the same colors but represents multipliers of 10. (e.g., Brown = 10^1 = x10).

5.Decode Band 4 (Tolerance): The fourth band is the tolerance (how accurate the resistor is). Gold = ±5%, Silver = ±10%, Brown = ±1% are common. If no fourth band, it might be ±20% (but uncommon nowadays).

6.Calculate: Multiply the two-digit number from Band 1 & 2 by the multiplier. Add the Ω symbol. Write the tolerance.

Color Chart Reference:​

LED Current Limiting

220 Ohm Resistor’ most common use is protecting LEDs. It restricts current flow when the LED is powered by typical 5V or 3.3V digital sources. This prevents the LED from burning out due to excessive current and ensures it operates at a safe, bright level (~15-20mA). 

Pull-Up/Pull-Down Resistors​

While higher values like 10kΩ are more common to save power, a 220Ω resistor can act as a strong pull-up/pull-down in digital circuits. 

It firmly anchors a floating logic input pin to either Vcc (HIGH) or GND (LOW) when not actively driven, ensuring reliable signal levels. It's used when a weaker pull-up might be susceptible to noise or input leakage current.

Simple Voltage Dividers​​

A 220Ω resistor can form part of a basic voltage divider circuit, creating a lower reference voltage from a higher supply voltage.

While less power-efficient than higher values, it provides a stable voltage point where low resistance is specifically needed. Its predictable value ensures reasonably accurate voltage outputs.

Transistor Biasing

In simple transistor circuits, a 220Ω resistor can act as a base or emitter resistor. It regulates the current entering the transistor's base.

This determines how much current flows through the collector-emitter path. And this sets the transistor's operating point for amplification or ensures clean switching.

The wattage rating of a 220 ohm resistor refers to the maximum power it can safely dissipate as heat without damage. Choosing the correct wattage ensures the resistor can handle the electrical load in your circuit.

Common Wattage Ratings for 220 Ohm Resistors

Key Considerations

Example: At 20mA, P=(0.02)²× 220=0.088W→ Safe for 1/4W resistors.

Resistors lose ~50% of their rating near max operating temps (e.g., 70°C+).

1/4W Resistor: Max ~250V (but current limits practical use).

SMD Resistors: Often rated for ≤50V due to small size.

How to Choose the Right Wattage?

The 220 ohm resistor is a low-value resistor used mainly for current limiting and voltage dropping, but different resistor values serve specific purposes in circuits. Here's how 220Ω compares to other common resistor values in terms of function and application:

Example 1: Basic LED on Arduino (Breadboard View)​​

Components:​​

Circuit:​​

Schematic:

Code (Simple Blink): Use the Arduino IDE. Load the "Blink" example sketch (File -> Examples -> 01.Basics -> Blink).

By default, this sketch blinks the built-in LED on Pin 13. Because we connected our external LED+resistor there, it will blink too! 

(Note: The Arduino Uno has a tiny LED directly on Pin 13. Your external circuit is just replicating that blink. Make sure the sketch sets Pin 13 as OUTPUT.)

Example 2: Simple Button Input with Pull-Up Resistor (Less Common with 220Ω, but possible)​

Note: A 10kΩ resistor is much more common here for pull-up to save power. This example shows the function using 220Ω to illustrate it.

Components:​​

Circuit:​​

Schematic:

Operation:​​

Considerations:Using 220Ω here consumes significantly more power when the button is pressed than a typical 10kΩ (which only draws ~0.5mA). 

This is wasteful on batteries! So while it functions, you'd usually see 10kΩ in this role. Use 220Ω only if there's a specific circuit reason requiring very low pull-up resistance.

Common Mistakes When Using A 220Ω Resistor

​​

Misreading the Color Bands: Putting the resistor the wrong way (tolerance band on the left), confusing colors (Brown vs Red, especially in poor light), or misreading the multiplier band. 

Ignoring Wattage (Power Rating): Using a tiny 1/8W resistor in a circuit where the resistor needs to dissipate 300mW (like 0.3W) will quickly cause the resistor to overheat, smell bad, change value, or burn open. 

Always calculate power dissipation (P = I²R or P=V²/R) and choose a resistor wattage at least 1.5 to 2 times higher than your calculated power. 

Leaving Resistors Out (Especially for LEDs!): Plugging an LED directly into a power source like 5V without a current-limiting resistor is almost guaranteed to destroy the LED instantly. Always use a resistor with LEDs. 220Ω is a very safe starting point for 5V or 3.3V logic.

Confusing Values: Accidentally grabbing a 220kΩ (220,000Ω - Red-Red-Yellow) resistor instead of a 220Ω (Red-Red-Brown) resistor. 

The color bands look similar at a glance (both start with Red-Red). Pay close attention to the multiplier band (Brown for 220Ω vs Yellow for 220kΩ). Measure with a meter!

Solder Bridges & Cold Joints (Through-Hole): When soldering, too much solder can create a "bridge" connecting two parts of the circuit that shouldn't be connected. Too little solder or improper heating creates a "cold joint," which is unreliable and breaks easily. 

The 220 ohm resistor is easily identifiable by its bright red-red-brown color rings. It’s mainly used to safely power LEDs in 5V or 3.3V circuits, offering just the right protection without making the LED too dim. 

Read  More:

Decoding Resistor Values with a Color Code Calculator

Understanding the Resistor Symbol in Circuit Diagrams

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