A metal plate resistor includes a resistive body comprising a metal plate, and at least a pair of electrodes joined respectively to opposite ends of the resistive body, the electrodes being made of a highly conductive metal conductor. The resistive body has a main section positioned between the electrodes and a pair of electrode sections progressively wider than the main section in directions away from the main section. The electrodes are disposed respectively beneath the electrode sections and identical in shape to the electrode sections.