CMYK to HEX

Convert CMYK colour values (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) to a HEX code and RGB in real time using interactive sliders.

color cmyk hex convert print rgb
Free Client-Side Private
C %
M %
Y %
K %
🔒 This tool runs entirely in your browser — your files are never uploaded to any server.

CMYK to HEX converts print-oriented ink values (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key/Black) into the HEX colour code and RGB values used on screens and in web design. Adjust the sliders or type numbers directly — the preview and outputs update in real time, entirely in your browser.

What is CMYK?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (Black). It is the subtractive colour model used in colour printing. Each channel represents the percentage of a particular ink applied to white paper. Mixing all four inks at various percentages can reproduce a wide gamut of colours. A value of 0 % means none of that ink is used; 100 % means full saturation.

How the conversion works

Given CMYK values such as C=76, M=43, Y=0, K=4:

  1. Convert percentages to fractions: c = 0.76, m = 0.43, y = 0.00, k = 0.04
  2. Apply the formula: R = 255 × (1 − c) × (1 − k), and similarly for G and B
  3. Round each channel to the nearest integer, then encode as a two-digit hex pair
  4. Concatenate as #RRGGBB

When would you use this tool?

A common scenario is receiving brand guidelines from a print designer that specify CMYK ink percentages and needing equivalent HEX values for a website, email template or digital ad. Rather than manually applying the formula, enter the four numbers here and copy the result directly.

Limitations

CMYK describes how ink behaves on paper; HEX and RGB describe how light behaves on a screen. The two colour spaces do not map perfectly. The conversion formula assumes sRGB primaries and does not account for the specific ink set, substrate or ICC profile of a real printer. Visual differences between the printed colour and the on-screen swatch should be expected, especially for saturated colours that fall outside the sRGB gamut.

FAQ

How do I enter a CMYK value I found in a brand guide?

Use either the sliders — drag each one — or click inside the number field next to a slider and type the value directly. Both inputs are linked; changing one updates the other.

Why does C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=0 give white (#ffffff)?

Zero ink on white paper means the paper colour shows through, which is white. This is correct for the subtractive model.

Why does C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=100 give black (#000000)?

100 % Key (black) ink results in pure black. The CMY channels have no effect when K is at full coverage.

The HEX I get looks slightly different from what my design app shows. Why?

Design applications such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop apply ICC colour profiles and rendering intents when converting between CMYK and RGB. This tool uses the simple mathematical formula without any profile adjustment. For pixel-perfect colour matching in professional print workflows, use your design application's built-in conversion with the correct ICC profile.

Can I copy the RGB output too?

Yes — the RGB field has its own copy button. Click the clipboard icon next to the RGB field to copy the rgb(r, g, b) string.

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