3 Ways To Measure Resistance - WikiHow

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How to Measure Resistance with a Multimeter (Digital & Analog) Download Article Quick and easy steps to check resistance with a multimeter Co-authored by Joseph Quinones

Last Updated: March 6, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Measuring Resistance with a Digital Multimeter
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• Using an Analog Multimeter
|
• Ensuring a Good Test
|
• Video
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• Expert Q&A
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• Tips
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• Warnings

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This article was co-authored by Joseph Quinones. Joseph Quinones is a Physics Teacher working at South Bronx Community Charter High School. Joseph specializes in astronomy and astrophysics and is interested in science education and science outreach, currently practicing ways to make physics accessible to more students with the goal of bringing more students of color into the STEM fields. He has experience working on Astrophysics research projects at the Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Joseph recieved his Bachelor's degree in Physics from Lehman College and his Masters in Physics Education from City College of New York (CCNY). He is also a member of a network called New York City Men Teach. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 440,173 times.

Resistance is the measure of difficulty electrons have in flowing through a particular object.[1] It is similar to the friction an object experiences when moving or being moved across a surface. Resistance is measured in ohms; 1 ohm is equal to 1 volt of electrical difference per 1 ampere of current (1 volt/1 amp). You'll find your volt of electrical difference by taking several readings using your equipment. Resistance can be measured with an analog or digital multimeter or ohmmeter. Analog readers usually have a needle that will identify the measurement on a scale, while a digital reader will provide a numeric reading.

How to Measure Resistance: A Complete Guide

1. Plug the black lead into the “COM” socket and the red lead into the“ohm” socket.
2. Turn on your digital multimeter and choose the best testing range.
3. Touch the multimeter leads to the ends of component you’re testing.
4. Read the measurements on display, then turn off the multimeter.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Measuring Resistance with a Digital Multimeter

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1. 1 Choose the item whose resistance you wish to measure. For the most accurate measurement, test the resistance of a component individually. Remove the component from the circuit or test it before you install it. Testing the component while still in the circuit can cause inaccurate readings from other components.[2]
   • For example, you might test the resistance of the switches, relay contacts, or motor.
   • If you are testing a circuit or even just removing a component, be sure that all power to the circuit is turned off before proceeding.
2. 2 Plug the test leads into the correct test sockets. On most multimeters, one test lead will be black and the other will be red. A multimeter often has multiple testing sockets, according to whether it is being used to test for resistance, voltage, or amperage (current). Usually the right sockets to test for resistance are labeled "COM" (for common) and one labeled with the Greek letter omega, Ω, which is the symbol for "ohm".
   • Plug the black lead into the socket labeled "COM" and the red lead into the socket labeled "ohm".
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3. 3 Turn on the multimeter and select the best testing range. The resistance of a component can range from ohms (1 ohm) to megaohms (1,000,000 ohms). In order to get an accurate reading of resistance you must set the multimeter to the proper range for your component. Some digital multimeters will automatically set the range for you, but others will need to be set manually. If you have a general idea of the range of resistance just set it to that range. If you’re unsure, you can determine the range through trial and error.[3]
   • If you don’t know the range, start with the middle range setting, usually 20 kilo-ohms (kΩ).
   • Touch one lead to the end of your component and the other lead to the opposite end.
   • The number on the screen will either be 0.00, OL, or the actual value of resistance.
   • If the value is zero, the range is set too high and needs to be lowered.
   • If the screen reads OL (overloaded) the range is set too low and needs to be increased to the next highest range. Test the component again with the new range setting.
   • If the screen reads a specific number such as 58, that is the value of the resistor. Remember to take into account the range applied. On a digital multimeter the upper right-hand corner should remind you of your range setting. If it has a kΩ in the corner, the actual resistance is 58 kΩ (58,000 ohms).
   • Once you get in the right range, try lowering the range one more time to see if you can get a more accurate reading. Use the lowest range setting for the most accurate resistance readings.
4. 4 Touch the multimeter leads to the ends of the component you are testing. Just as you did when you were setting the range, touch one lead to one end of the component and the other lead to the opposite end. Wait until the numbers stop going up or down and record that number. This is the resistance of your component.[4]
   • For example, if your reading is .6 and the upper right corner says MΩ the resistance of your component is 0.6 mega-ohms.
5. 5 Turn off the multimeter. When you are done measuring all of your components, turn off the multimeter and unplug the leads for storage.[5]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Measuring Resistance with an Analog Multimeter

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1. 1 Choose the item whose resistance you wish to measure. For the most accurate measurement, test the resistance of a component individually. Remove the component from the circuit or test it before you install it. Testing the component while still in the circuit can cause inaccurate readings from other components.
   • For example, you might test the switch or motor.
   • If you are testing a circuit or even just removing a component, be sure that all power to the circuit is turned off before proceeding.
2. 2 Plug the test leads into the correct test sockets. On most multimeters, one test lead will be black and the other will be red. A multimeter often has multiple testing sockets, according to whether it is being used to test for resistance, voltage, or amperage (current). Usually the right sockets to test for resistance are labeled "COM" (for common) and one labeled with the Greek letter omega, which is the symbol for "ohm."
   • Plug the black lead into the socket labeled "COM" and the red lead into the socket labeled "ohm".
3. 3 Turn on the multimeter and select the best testing range. The resistance of a component can range from ohms (1 ohm) to megaohms (1,000,000 ohms). In order to get an accurate reading of resistance you must set the multimeter to the proper range for your component. If you have a general idea of the range of resistance just set it to that range. If you’re unsure, you can determine the range through trial and error.[6]
   • If you don’t know the range, start with the middle range setting, usually 20 kilo-ohms (kΩ).
   • Touch one lead to the end of your component and the other lead to the opposite end.
   • The needle will swing across the screen and stop in a specific spot, indicating the resistance of your component.
   • If the needle swings all the way to the top of the range (the left side), you will need to increase the range setting, zero out the multimeter, and try again.
   • If the needle swings all the way to the bottom of the range (the right side), you will need to decrease the range setting, zero out the multimeter, and try again.
   • Analog multimeters must be reset or zeroed out every time the range setting is altered and before testing the component. Touch the ends of both leads together to short the circuit. Ensure the needle is set all the way to zero using the Ohms Adjustment or Zero Control after the leads have been touched to each other.
4. 4 Touch the multimeter leads to the ends of the component you are testing. Just as you did when you were setting the range, touch one lead to one end of the component and the other lead to the opposite end. The resistance range on a multimeter goes from right to left. The right side is zero and the left side goes up to around 2k (2,000). There are multiple scales on an analog multimeter so be sure to look at the scaled labeled with an Ω that goes from right to left.[7]
   • As the scale goes up, the higher values are clustered closer together. Setting the correct range is crucial to being able to get an accurate reading for your component.
5. 5 Read the resistance. Once you have touched the leads to the component, the needle will settle somewhere in between the top and bottom of the scale. Check to make sure you are looking at the ohm scale and record the value where the needle is pointing to. This is the resistance of your component.[8]
   • For example if you had set the range to 10 Ω and the needle stopped at 9, the resistance of your component is 9 ohms.
6. 6 Set the voltage to a high range. When you are finished using the multimeter, you want to make sure it is properly stored. Setting the voltage to a high range before turning it off ensures that it won’t be damaged the next time it is used if someone doesn’t remember to set the range first. Turn off the multimeter and unplug the leads for storage.[9]
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Ensuring a Good Test

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1. 1 Test resistance on components not in a circuit. Measuring resistance on a component in a circuit will cause inaccurate readings because the multimeter is also measuring resistance from the other components in a circuit as well as the one being tested. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to test resistance on components in circuit.
2. 2 Test only components that are powered off. Current flowing through a circuit will cause inaccurate readings, as the increased current will create a higher resistance. Also, the additional voltage could damage the multimeter. (For this reason, testing the resistance of a battery is not advised.)
   • Any capacitors in a circuit being tested for resistance should be discharged before testing. Discharged capacitors may absorb charge from the multimeter's current, creating momentary fluctuations in the reading.
3. 3 Check for diodes in the circuit. Diodes conduct electricity in only 1 direction; thus, reversing the position of the multimeter's probes in a circuit with diodes will cause different readings.
4. 4 Watch your fingers. Some resistors or components need to be held in place to maintain contact with the multimeter's probes. Touching the resistor or the probe with your fingers can cause inaccurate readings due to your body absorbing current from the circuit. This is not a significant problem when using a low-voltage multimeter, but it can be a problem when testing resistance with a high-voltage multimeter.
   • One way to keep your hands off components is to attach them to a testing board, or "breadboard" when testing for resistance. You can also attach alligator clips to the multimeter probes to keep the terminals of the resistor or component in place while testing.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question If I don't have a meter, what can I do to measure resistance? Bess Ruff, MA Environmental Scientist Bess Ruff is a Scientist based in Sydney, Australia. Her research interests and previous scientific experience include environmental science, geography, biotechnology, mariculture, marine spatial planning, stakeholder engagement, and spatial ecology. She is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Sydney and a Project Manager at Offshore Biotechnologies. Prior to her work in Sydney, Bess was a Postdoctoral Researcher for over 2 years at Florida State University. She received a PhD in Geography from Florida State University, with a doctoral dissertation entitled "Culturing a Sustainable Seafood Future: How Governance, Economics, and Society Are Driving the Global Marine Aquaculture Industry”. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. Bess Ruff, MA Environmental Scientist Expert Answer Since a multimeter is specially designed to measure resistance, it can provide you with an accurate reading. It's not a good idea to try to measure resistance without a meter. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 6
• Question What is the purpose of the multiplier and tolerance color bands of a carbon moulded resistor? Community Answer The colored stripes define the resistance in ohms and its tolerance. With the metallic band on the right, the first and second bands define the first two digits of the resistance value, and the third band defines how many zeroes follow the second digit. The colors and the values they represent are as follows: black (0) brown (1) red (2) orange (3) yellow (4) green (5) blue (6) violet (7) grey (8) white (9). A silver stripe defines a +/-10% tolerance, and a gold stripe defines a +/- 5% tolerance. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 15
• Question Is resistance always measured in ohms? Community Answer No. There are many historical units no longer in use. Ohms is just the SI unit, but everyone uses ohms for that reason. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 9

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Tips

• You can identify the level of resistance of a given resistor by the number and colors of the bands on it. Some resistors use a 4-band system, while others use a 5-band system. One band is used to represent the level of precision. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 11
• How accurate a multimeter is depends on the model. Low-end meters are usually accurate within 1 percent of the correct value. You can expect to pay more for a meter more accurate than this. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 14

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Multimeter probe tips are often sharpened to a needle-point. If you have to handle the probe tips, do so along the length of the tip to prevent stabbing yourself. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2

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References

1. ↑ https://www.nde-ed.org/Physics/Electricity/resistance.xhtml
2. ↑ https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/multimeters101/chapter/1-6-introduction-to-resistance-measurements/
3. ↑ https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/multimeters101/chapter/testing-resistance-ohms-with-a-digital-multimeter/
4. ↑ https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/multimeters101/chapter/testing-resistance-ohms-with-a-digital-multimeter/
5. ↑ https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/multimeters101/chapter/1-1-use-and-storage-of-multimeters/
6. ↑ https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/experiments/chpt-2/ohmmeter-usage/
7. ↑ https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/experiments/chpt-2/ohmmeter-usage/
8. ↑ https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/experiments/chpt-2/ohmmeter-usage/
9. ↑ https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/multimeters101/chapter/1-1-use-and-storage-of-multimeters/

About This Article

Co-authored by: Joseph Quinones Physics Teacher This article was co-authored by Joseph Quinones. Joseph Quinones is a Physics Teacher working at South Bronx Community Charter High School. Joseph specializes in astronomy and astrophysics and is interested in science education and science outreach, currently practicing ways to make physics accessible to more students with the goal of bringing more students of color into the STEM fields. He has experience working on Astrophysics research projects at the Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Joseph recieved his Bachelor's degree in Physics from Lehman College and his Masters in Physics Education from City College of New York (CCNY). He is also a member of a network called New York City Men Teach. This article has been viewed 440,173 times. 44 votes - 83% Co-authors: 16 Updated: March 6, 2025 Views: 440,173 Categories: Measuring Power Current and Energy Article SummaryX

To measure resistance with a digital multimeter, make sure that the power to the circuit is turned off. Then, plug the black lead into the socket labeled "COM" and the red lead into the socket labeled "ohm." After you've done this, turn on the multimeter and select the best testing range. If you are not sure what the right testing range is, start with the middle setting. After you've selected a setting, touch the multimeter leads to the ends of the component. Wait for the reading to stabilize and then you should have your result. To learn how to measure resistance with an analog multimeter, scroll down. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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