Resistor Circuit Symbols

Circuit symbols for the various forms of passive components - the resistor: fixed, variable, US, European, variable, LDR, etc.

Ciircuits, Diagrams & Symbols Includes:
Circuit symbols overview Resistors Capacitors Inductors, coils, chokes & transformers Diodes Bipolar transistors Field effect transistors Wires, switches & connectors Analogue & functional circuit blocks Logic

Resistors are one form of passive components and one of the most widely used within electronic equipment. Even though they are passive components, they are still used very extensively

Accordingly resistor circuit symbols are found in virtually all circuit diagrams or schematic diagrams.

Often the circuit schematic symbols are associated with PCB shapes for use when designing PCBs. The complete circuit symbol for the circuit diagram or schematic are associated with the PCB shape so that the PCB design can be developed electronically from the electronic copy of the circuit.

There are several different types of resistor for which distinct circuit symbols are required. Also different circuit symbols tend to be used within Europe and the USA.

Resistor circuit symbols
Resistor Type	Circuit Symbol
Fixed resistor (Europe)
Potentiometer (Europe)
Variable resistor (Europe)
Fixed resistor (USA)
Potentiometer (USA)
Variable resistor (USA)
Light dependent resistor, LDR
Thermistor (general)
Thermistor: PTC
Varistor

Even though resistors are only passive components, there are still many different versions. Also, there are other types of passive component which are addressed on further pages.