HEX to CMYK converter
Enter a HEX code, with or without the #, and get CMYK values as a starting point for print artwork.
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Processing and privacy: The result is calculated inside your browser and your data is not sent to any server.
How to use it
- Enter hex code.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Each pair of HEX digits is read as a base-16 number: R = RR, G = GG, B = BB, from 0 to 255; a 3-digit code doubles each digit. Then (RGB kept unrounded): K = 1 - max(R/255, G/255, B/255), C = (1 - R/255 - K) / (1 - K), M = (1 - G/255 - K) / (1 - K), Y = (1 - B/255 - K) / (1 - K); pure black gives K = 1 and zero for the rest.
Example
Inputs: HEX code = #1E90FF. Result: CMYK code: cmyk(88.2%, 43.5%, 0%, 0%); Cyan (C): 88.2 %; Magenta (M): 43.5 %.
#1E90FF
cmyk(88.2%, 43.5%, 0%, 0%)
Limits and caveats
- CMYK uses the naive device-independent formula with no ICC profile, so it will not match a specific press, paper or ink.
- Transparency (#RRGGBBAA or #RGBA) is not read; enter the 6 or 3 digit color part.
- Values in the code are rounded to one decimal, so converting back can shift an RGB channel by 1.
Questions about this tool
Why does #000000 give K = 100%?
Here K comes from the strongest channel, so when every channel is zero, K is 100% and C, M and Y stay at zero.
Does it accept 3-digit codes like #0AF?
Yes. A 3-digit code is expanded by doubling each digit, so #0AF becomes #00AAFF. The # is optional.
Will these CMYK values match my print shop?
Not necessarily. This is a plain formula that knows nothing about paper or ink; for accurate print, convert in your design app with the ICC profile your printer gives you.