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Standard Resistor Value Finder

Find the nearest standard E12/E24/E96 resistor value to your calculated value, with the percentage deviation.

Target resistance

E-series (tolerance)

Nearest standard value

4.7 kΩ

Deviation

0 %

from target

Pick the series that matches your tolerance: E12 = 10%, E24 = 5%, E96 = 1%. No single resistor? Combine two in series or parallel.

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, on an “as is” basis and without any warranty of accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose. Results may contain errors — always verify independently before relying on them in real designs. PartAndStock accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from use of this tool, including when embedded on third-party sites.

Find the standard resistor

Guide: Standard Resistor Values (E-Series)

How to use

1Enter your calculated ideal resistance (Ω).
2Pick the E-series you'll use (E12/E24/E96 by tolerance).
3The nearest standard value and percentage deviation appear instantly.

How it works

Enter an ideal (calculated) resistance and instantly see the closest standard E-series value you can actually buy, plus the deviation from target.

Standard values follow the E-series, repeating every decade. E24 = 24 steps (5%), E96 = 96 steps (1%) per decade.

How the E-series works

Resistors aren't made in a continuous range but in standard steps called the E-series. Each series steps in equal ratios within a decade (×10): 12 values in E12, 24 in E24, 96 in E96. More steps = denser values = tighter tolerance. If your math gives 3.7 kΩ, you round it to the nearest manufactured value (3.9 kΩ in E24).

Choosing the right series and combining

There's no point buying a resistor tighter than the series' step spacing: E24 is fine for a 5% job, use E96 when you need 1% accuracy. If your exact value isn't in any series, combine two standard resistors in series (sum) or parallel to reach an in-between value — use the Series/Parallel Resistor tool for that.

Worked examples

Target 4.7 kΩ, E24 → 4.7 kΩ (exact, 0% deviation)
Target 3.7 kΩ, E24 → 3.9 kΩ (5.4% deviation)
Target 3.7 kΩ, E96 → 3.74 kΩ (1.1% deviation)

E-Series Steps (per decade)

Series	Tolerance	Steps
E6	±20%	6
E12	±10%	12
E24	±5%	24
E48	±2%	48
E96	±1%	96

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the E24 series?+

E24 is the ±5% resistor series with 24 standard values per decade: 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 27 … 91 and their ×10, ×100 multiples.

Why can't I find my exact value?+

Resistors are made only in standard E-series steps. An in-between calculated value rounds to the nearest standard; for a closer match pick a denser series such as E96.

What's the difference between E96 and E24?+

E96 has 96 values per decade (±1%), E24 has 24 (±5%). E96 is tighter and pricier, preferred in precision measurement and feedback circuits.

Will rounding to a standard value break my circuit?+

Usually not — most circuits tolerate a few percent. But in critical spots like voltage references or gain-setting, check the deviation and switch to E96 or combine resistors if needed.

What if my value isn't in any series?+

Combine two standard resistors in series (values add) or parallel (equivalent drops) to hit an in-between value. The Series/Parallel Resistor calculator does this quickly.

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