What Is The Resistor E Series

What Is The Resistor E Series

A table for the E series can be found here.

The Resistor E Series, formally known as the E-series of preferred numbers, is a system established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in standard IEC 60063. Its primary purpose is to standardize the available resistance values for resistors and other passive components, ensuring that manufacturers can produce a limited set of values that cover a continuous range with uniform tolerance steps. This standardization is critical for efficiency in manufacturing, inventory management, and electronic circuit design.The Principle of Preferred Numbers

The E-series is based on the idea that each successive value in the series should represent a uniform percentage increase from the previous one, corresponding to the component's tolerance. This ensures that any required resistance value falls within the tolerance band of a manufactured E-series resistor.

E-Series

Number of Values per Decade

Approximate Tolerance

E6

6

20%

E12

12

10%

E24

24

5%

E48

48

2% or 1%

E96

96

1% or 0.5%

E192

192

0.5% or less

For example, the E24 series (5% tolerance) provides 24 distinct nominal values between 10 and 99, which are then multiplied by powers of 10 to cover the full range of resistance. 

A table for the E series can be found here.

Importance for Design

  • Minimizing Inventory: By using a standardized set of values, designers reduce the number of unique components required, which simplifies purchasing and stocking.
  • Optimal Tolerance Coverage: The system ensures that a resistor with a specific tolerance will overlap with its neighboring E-series values. For instance, a 100-ohm resistor with a 10% (E12) tolerance has a range of 90 to 110 ohms. The next standard value, 120 ohms, has a range of 108 to 132 ohms. The gap between 110 ohms and 108 ohms is intentionally small, providing nearly continuous coverage across the resistance spectrum.
  • Industry Standard: The E-series is universally adopted, which allows for consistent component sourcing and global manufacturing compatibility.
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