RGB to CMYK Converter

Convert RGB and HEX colors to CMYK percentages for print, or turn CMYK values back into RGB and HEX. Edit any field and every format updates instantly, with a live color preview and one-click copy.

RGB, HEX and CMYK converter

HEX

RGB (0 to 255)

CMYK (0 to 100%)

CMYK

VALUES

HEX

RGB

CMYK values are approximate. This converter uses the standard mathematical formula, without a color profile. Professional print results depend on the ICC profile, the printer, the inks and the paper. Before printing, ask your print shop which CMYK profile to use and check a proof.

How to Use the Converter

RGB or HEX to CMYK: type a HEX code, pick a color, or set the R, G and B values. The CMYK percentages update instantly.
CMYK to RGB or HEX: type or slide the C, M, Y and K values. The HEX and RGB codes update instantly.
Copy the format you need: cmyk() notation, plain values for design software, HEX or RGB.

RGB vs. CMYK: What Is the Difference?

RGB (red, green, blue) is an additive model: screens create color by adding light, and all three at full strength make white. CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key/black) is a subtractive model: printers lay inks on paper, and each ink absorbs part of the light. That is why the same color is described with different numbers on a screen and on paper.

Some bright screen colors, like vivid blues, greens and oranges, are outside the range that standard CMYK inks can print. They often look duller once printed. Converting early helps you spot these colors before you send a file to print.

The RGB to CMYK Formula

First divide each RGB value by 255 to get a number between 0 and 1 (R’, G’, B’). Then:

K = 1 - max(R', G', B')
C = (1 - R' - K) / (1 - K)
M = (1 - G' - K) / (1 - K)
Y = (1 - B' - K) / (1 - K)
Multiply by 100 to get percentages. For pure black (K = 100%), C, M and Y are 0.

Example: rgb(36, 88, 232) gives R’ = 0.141, G’ = 0.345, B’ = 0.910. K = 1 – 0.910 = 0.090 (9%). C = (1 – 0.141 – 0.090) / 0.910 = 0.845 (84%), M = 0.621 (62%), Y = 0 (0%). Result: cmyk(84%, 62%, 0%, 9%).

CMYK to RGB formula

Do the reverse: R = 255 × (1 - C) × (1 - K), and the same for G with M and B with Y, using C, M, Y and K as values between 0 and 1.

Common Colors in RGB, HEX and CMYK

Color	HEX	RGB	CMYK (approx.)
Black	`#000000`	`0, 0, 0`	`0, 0, 0, 100`
White	`#FFFFFF`	`255, 255, 255`	`0, 0, 0, 0`
Red	`#FF0000`	`255, 0, 0`	`0, 100, 100, 0`
Green	`#00FF00`	`0, 255, 0`	`100, 0, 100, 0`
Blue	`#0000FF`	`0, 0, 255`	`100, 100, 0, 0`
Yellow	`#FFFF00`	`255, 255, 0`	`0, 0, 100, 0`
Cyan	`#00FFFF`	`0, 255, 255`	`100, 0, 0, 0`
Magenta	`#FF00FF`	`255, 0, 255`	`0, 100, 0, 0`
Gray	`#808080`	`128, 128, 128`	`0, 0, 0, 50`
Orange	`#FFA500`	`255, 165, 0`	`0, 35, 100, 0`
Navy	`#000080`	`0, 0, 128`	`100, 100, 0, 50`

Printing black text or large dark areas? The simple formula gives 0, 0, 0, 100 for black. Print shops often use a “rich black” (black ink plus some cyan, magenta and yellow) for large areas, but plain 100% K for small text. Follow your printer’s recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert RGB to CMYK?

Enter your RGB values or HEX code in the converter above and read the CMYK percentages. The tool uses the standard formula: K is 1 minus the brightest RGB channel, and C, M and Y are calculated from the remaining values.

Is this RGB to CMYK conversion accurate for printing?

It is a good starting point, but not an exact print value. Professional software converts colors with an ICC profile that describes a specific printing process, so the numbers can differ. Always check with your printer and request a proof for important jobs.

Why does my color look different when printed?

Screens emit light and can show brighter colors than inks on paper. Very saturated RGB colors may fall outside the printable CMYK range and appear duller. Paper type and printer calibration also change the result.

Can I convert HEX to CMYK?

Yes. Type the HEX code in the converter. It is first read as RGB, then converted to CMYK. You can also enter CMYK values to get the matching HEX code.

Why do RGB values change slightly after converting to CMYK and back?

CMYK values are rounded to whole percentages, so converting back can shift an RGB value by one or two points. The difference is not visible in most cases.

Sources

International Color Consortium (ICC): About ICC profiles: how color profiles make colors consistent between screens, software and printers.
W3C: CSS Color Module Level 4: official definition of the RGB and HEX color formats.

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