Through-hole wirewound resistors are resistors that use a wire made from a metal alloy, typically nickel-chromium, wound around a non-conductive ceramic core. The resistance of the wire is determined by the length and cross-sectional area of the wire. The ceramic core provides insulation and stability which allows the wire to be wound very tightly without the risk of shorting. The resistor value is usually marked directly onto the body, which also usually offers cumulative numbers of wattage it can take. Wirewound resistors are often used for higher wattage applications than the standard carbon film resistors due to their increased heat dissipation ability. They are also used in high-frequency applications, or in applications where a high power over a small surface area is required. Their main benefits are accuracy and precision, as they have low temperature coefficient and minimal hysteresis, but their primary downside is cost.