To be able to read schematics you must know the schematic symbols. Here is an overview of the most used symbols in circuit diagrams.
Battery
The symbol for a battery is shown below.
A large and a small line is suppose to represent one battery cell so that the image below would suggest a two-cell battery of 3 V. But usually people just draw the battery symbol with one or two cells no matter what voltage it is.
The battery symbol
Capacitor
Capacitors are either polarized or not. The symbols that are used for the two are shown below. Both in European and US style.
A polarized capacitor is marked with a “+” sign. It is important to distinguish between these two because the polarized capacitor needs to be placed correctly according to the “+” sign.
 Standard capacitor (EU style) |
 Polarized capacitor (EU style) |
 Standard capacitor (US style) |
 Polarized capacitor (US style) |
Resistor
The schematic symbol of the resistor are drawn in two different ways. The american style resistor is drawn as a zigzag resistor while the european style resistor is drawn as a rectangular resistor.
Even though I’m from Europe, I like to draw the zigzag version. I think it is easier to draw and looks better.
 American style resistor |
 European style resistor |
Variable resistor (Potentiometer)
The variable resistor or potentiometer is drawn in several different ways. The symbol is often drawn as a resistor with an arrow across it or pointing down on it as the one below.
Variable resistor
Diode
The diode family has several different symbols because there are several different types of diodes. Below is a standard diode, a zener diode and a Light Emitting Diode (LED).
 Standard diode |
 Zener diode |
inductor
Light emitting diode (LED)
Schematic Symbols of a Transistor
The most common transistor types are the Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) and the Field Effect Transistor (FET). The schematic symbols for these two types are shown below.
 Bipolar Junction Transistor (NPN) |
 Field Effect Transistor |
Inductor
The inductor symbol looks like a coiled wire as this is what an inductor essentially is.
Inductor
Integrated Circuit
Integrated circuits (IC) are usually shown as rectangular boxes with pin names. Below, an example of the 555 timer IC is shown.
The “555 timer” integrated circuit
Logic Gates
Here are the schematic representation of the 6 logic gates.
Logic gates
Operational Amplifier
The operational amplifier or “Opamp” is represented as a triangle with two inputs and one output. In some cases, the power supply pins are also added. Below, a version without power supply pins are shown.
Operational amplifier
Switch
A switch can be represented in numerous ways in electronic schematics. Below is one example.
A simple switch
Transformer (Trafo)
The symbol of the transformer looks like two inductors with something in between them.
The transformer symbol
Return from Schematic Symbols to Electronic Schematics
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It would be nice to also include the european version of the logic gates.
Also I prefer the european version of the resistor since a sloppy drawn zigzag might also be a coil.
Good point. I’ve always found the european version of the resistor a bit boring. But I see your point about a sloppy drawn zigzag-resistor.
Oyvind
im a beginner in electronics, pls i nid hlp in reading intergrated circuits, its uses ,nd major function of a electrolyte capacitor
Check out this page: http://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/basic-electronic-components/
Oyvind
thanks nice course for me Ilove thise help me brother.
you realy should put a PCB on this as i need it and others might to
Not sure what you mean… A PCB does not have a symbol.
Oyvnd
a PCB is the board, but some of the capacitors have difference marking for the cap. positive.
this is useless
What’s the usefulness of this comment?
It’s basic electronics for people that don’t know it.
If you’re so good, create your own website, and please, do it for the pros…
And please do forget co the link.
Bless! S.
*And please do forget to share the link.
wonderful. Thanks alot
Please i want to learn more about electronics component and fuctions
Maybe this could help: http://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/basic-electronic-components
Best,
Oyvind
thanks guys this is great! i have just learnt so many things and understound basic electronics.thanks
Great!
God bless the developer of this site and the above writer-up . I have really gained a lot today. But , I will appreciate if u can write up how to configure the pins in an integrated circuit as well as what each term stands for? God bless you….
Hi,
Maybe this could help:
http://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/integrated-circuit/
Best,
Oyvind