The valence band is the highest energy band that is filled with electrons under normal conditions; it is associated with the bonding (valence) electrons of the solid. Whether electrons can leave it to conduct depends on how it relates to the conduction band above it. In a semiconductor or insulator the valence band is full, and a band gap separates it from the conduction band.

价带是正常条件下被电子填满的最高能带;它与固体的成键(价)电子相关。电子能否离开价带去导电,取决于它与上方导带的关系。在半导体或绝缘体中,价带是满的,并有能隙将其与导带分隔开。