There is no standard for color codes. The chart you found seems to be using the resistor color codes, but shifted by 1 for some reason.

You're just going to have to "buzz out" the connections one-by-one using an ohmmeter or something.

Answer from Dave Tweed on Stack Exchange
🌐
Pinout Diagrams
pinoutdiagrams.com › home › db9 pinout and color code
Db9 Pinout and Color Code Guide: Everything You Need to Know
June 30, 2024 - Each pin serves a unique purpose, allowing for the transmission of data, control signals, and power. By deciphering the pinout, you can ensure proper connectivity and prevent any potential compatibility issues. DB9 connectors feature nine pins, each labeled with a number and color code.
🌐
Extron
extron.com › download › files › userman › RS-232cablecard68-1353-01A.pdf pdf
Extron Electronics, USA 1230 South Lewis Street Anaheim, CA 92805 USA
Extron Electronics, USA · 1230 South Lewis Street · Anaheim, CA 92805 · 714.491.1500 · Fax 714.491.1517 · Extron Electronics, Europe · Beeldschermweg 6C · 3821 AH Amersfoort · The Netherlands · +31.33.453.4040
🌐
Pinout Diagrams
pinoutdiagrams.com › home › db9 pinout colour code
Db9 Pinout Colour Code: A Complete Guide
June 30, 2024 - When working with the DB9 connector, it is important to consider the different wiring options available. The pinout diagram not only provides information about the pin functions but also indicates the color code associated with each wire. The color code helps users identify specific wires quickly, ...
🌐
Pinout Diagrams
pinoutdiagrams.com › home › rs232 db9 pinout colors
RS232 DB9 Pinout Colors: A Comprehensive Guide
June 30, 2024 - Think of these wires as the vital arteries of information transfer, each color representing a unique function and signalling its purpose. From establishing a common ground to enabling data transmission and supporting additional functionalities, these wires are the lifeline of any RS232 DB9 connection. As we embark on our quest to decipher their significance, we will explore their individual roles and demystify the connection puzzle they create. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of the pinout structure of the RS232 DB9 connector, shedding light on its underlying principles and functionality.
🌐
Alicat
documents.alicat.com › pinouts › DOC-PINOUT-DB9.pdf pdf
DOC-PINOUT-DB9 - REV 12, November 2023 3 ⁄ 40 TM +1 (888) 290-6060
DB9 (Male and Female) Standard Pinout · Always identify proper wiring via continuity check & color when using multi-strand cables. The calibration certificate for the device should be used as the definitive reference for custom wiring options. Note: Do not connect RS-485 to RS-232 units or cables.
🌐
AliExpress
aliexpress.com › s › wiki-ssr › article › db9-cable-color-code
DB9 Cable Color Code: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Connector for Your Project
It emphasizes the importance of correct wiring to prevent damage and ensure reliable serial communication. The article provides a pinout chart, identification tips, and benefits of using cables with clear color codes. It also reviews a specific DB9 connector model with a blue color code and ...
🌐
Startech
sgcdn.startech.com › 005329 › media › sets › scnm9fmxxbk › diagram › scnm9fmxxbk_diagram.pdf pdf
GENERAL NOTES 1 1 A A B B C C D D E E F F 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1
4. MOLDING SCREW 4-40UNC 4*38.5MM ... · 9 · SHIELD · 7 · 8 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 2 · 3 · P2 · 6 · SHIELD · 7 · 8 · 3 · 5 · 4 · 2 · P1 · PINOUT: GREEN ·...
Find elsewhere
🌐
Graftek
cdn.graftek.com › system › files › 14147 › original › 785605-01.pdf pdf
DB9M/DB15M/DB25M Pigtail Cable Pinout Guide
Pigtail Cable Pinout Guide · The National Instruments DB9M, DB15M, and DB25M Pigtail cables are 9-, 15-, and 25-pin male DSUB cables for connecting a variety of devices to your National · Instruments product. The following table lists the color-coded pin assignments for ·
🌐
Pinout Diagrams
pinoutdiagrams.com › home › db9 rs232 pinout color code
Db9 Rs232 Pinout Color Code: A Complete Guide
June 30, 2024 - This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricate details of the DB9 RS232 pinout, focusing specifically on the color codes associated with each pin.
🌐
Metabee
metabee.com › home › blog › d-sub
DB9 Pinout: The Secret Language of Serial Ports Decoded
September 16, 2025 - Straight-through DB9 serial cables are used to connect a DTE device to a DCE device. It links each pin directly to its corresponding pin on the other end, allowing the naturally aligned transmit and receive signals to pass through. Here is a typical wiring diagram and corresponding color code for a straight-through DB9 serial cable:
🌐
Pinout Diagrams
pinoutdiagrams.com › home › db9 connector pinout color
Db9 Connector Pinout Color - Complete Guide and Reference
June 30, 2024 - From vivid shades of red to subtle hints of blue, each color holds a significant meaning, telling a story of connection and communication – a story waiting to be unravelled. Embark on this enlightening journey, where each hue carries significance and each pin offers a glimpse into the world ...
🌐
Details Pin
detailspin.com › home › rs232 db9 pinout wire colors
RS232 DB9 Pinout Wire Colors: A Comprehensive Guide
November 22, 2025 - Exploring the labyrinthine network of wires within the RS232 DB9 pinout, we venture into a realm where every color carries significance and meaning. These wires, intricately intertwined, form the backbone of a cohesive system that bridges the gap between devices, facilitating the transfer of ...
🌐
Pinout Diagrams
pinoutdiagrams.com › home › db9 colors pinout
Db9 Colors Pinout: A Complete Guide to Wiring and Connector Configuration
June 30, 2024 - Each color tells a unique story, representing a specific purpose and function. Through this exploration, we will uncover the rich tapestry of connections that exist within this small yet significant connector. Prepare to embark on a journey of discovery as we uncover the hidden gems of the DB9 pinout...
Top answer
1 of 2
3

The original serial connectors were 25 pins, with some/many/most of the pins used. The DB-9 RS-232 connector just takes the nine most popular pins from the DB-25 connector. In either DB-25 or DB-9 connector, which pins are actually used depends on the hardware/software implementation of the serial protocol. At minimum, for two-way serial communication you need just three pins:

  • RX (Receive) - connected to TX on the other end. Pin 2 on standard DB-9 and DB-25
  • TX (Transmit) - connected to RX on the other end . Pin 3 on standard DB-9 and DB-25
  • GND (Signal ground) - Pin 5 on standard DB-9 and pin 7 on standard DB-25

(Note that sometimes particular serial cables are wired in non-standard way, but this is very rare. Indeed, there is a number of possible serial connectors). If your serial communication is one-way then you might only use two pins: TX/RX and GND.


The particular cable you have connects the six most popular lines. Cables that connect only some of the DB-9 serial lines are widely available, though do not assume that the same six pins are connected on all DB-9 cables. Depending on your needs, the six connected pins may or may not be sufficient. If you know which pins your hardware/software needs, then you would look for a cable that has those pins actually wired. For most modern needs (if "modern" can be used to apply to serial port in 2013) six wires is sufficient.


Unfortunately, there is no standard for color coding serial lines. You might hope that signal ground is black/brown, though often it is green, or some other random color. TX/RX are often yellow and green, but again you cannot count on this. The only way to know which color is connect to what pin is to test with a multimeter.

2 of 2
1

Assuming your connector is for RS-232 (notice that a DB9 may be used for other interfaces too) there are pins that aren't used in some cases. For instance, a cable to connect two computers doesn't need the RI (ring indicator) pin; also one of the pairs RTS/CTS or DSR/DTR may not be connected, since either one or the other is used in most transmission modes. Take a look at http://pinouts.ru/SerialPorts/Serial9_pinout.shtml

🌐
Custom Cable Connection
customcableconnection.com › products › serial-cable-db9-female-blunt
DB9 RS-232 Female to Blunt - All 9 Pins - 24 AWG - Serial Breakout Cab – Custom Cable Connection
DB9 Serial Breakout CableDB9 FemaleMetal HoodFully Wired all 9 Pins Stripped and Tinned24 AWG WirePVC Jacket Color Code:1 Black2 White3 Red4 Green5 Blue6 Yellow7 Orange8 Purple9 GreyShield to Shield
🌐
IP-NETWORK-BASICS
ipnetworkbasics.com › home › color coding /pin out for rj45,crossover ,t1,e1,rs232,db25,db9
Color coding /Pin out for RJ45,Crossover ,T1,E1,RS232,DB25,DB9 - IP-NETWORK-BASICS
May 29, 2023 - Color coding plays a crucial role ... RS232 cables, DB25 connectors, and DB9 connectors: RJ45 (Ethernet) Cable: T568A Standard: Pin 1: White/Green Pin 2: Green Pin 3: White/Orange […]...
🌐
Details Pin
detailspin.com › home › rs232 db9 color code pinout
RS232 DB9 Color Code Pinout: Complete Guide and Wiring Diagram
November 22, 2025 - By following the pinout guidelines, users can ensure that the correct signals are being transmitted and received, minimizing any communication errors. The pin colors in an RS232 DB9 connector provide visual cues that assist in identifying and connecting the correct pins.
🌐
US Converters
usconverters.com › downloads › support › db9_rj45_assembeling_guide.pdf pdf
DB9 RJ45 adapters
Using the standard parts you can follow the color coded guide below. If you buy another RJ45 to DB9
🌐
Details Pin
detailspin.com › home › rs232 pinout db9 color code
RS232 Pinout DB9 Color Code: A Complete Guide
June 16, 2024 - The RS232 pinout refers to the arrangement of pins in a DB9 connector, which is commonly used for serial communication. Each pin serves a specific purpose and understanding their functions is crucial in establishing successful communication between devices. This guide will break down the various pins and their corresponding colors, enabling you to easily identify and connect the appropriate pins for your desired application.