How to convert HEX to CMYK
Convert HEX color codes to CMYK instantly. Enter a HEX or RGB value, or use the sliders, and every format updates at once, with a live preview, the formula and a table of common colors.
- Type or paste a HEX value, such as #3B82F6, into its field above.
- The CMYK value updates immediately: #3B82F6 is cmyk(76%, 47%, 0%, 4%). The other formats and the color preview update too.
- Copy the CMYK value into your CSS, design tool or code.
The HEX to CMYK formula
Scale red, green and blue to 0-1. Black is K = 1 − max(R, G, B); then C = (1 − R − K) / (1 − K), and the same for M with green and Y with blue:
#3B82F6 → cmyk(76%, 47%, 0%, 4%)
Common colors in HEX and CMYK
| HEX | CMYK |
|---|---|
#000000 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%) |
#FFFFFF | cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 0%) |
#FF0000 | cmyk(0%, 100%, 100%, 0%) |
#00FF00 | cmyk(100%, 0%, 100%, 0%) |
#0000FF | cmyk(100%, 100%, 0%, 0%) |
#FFFF00 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 100%, 0%) |
#00FFFF | cmyk(100%, 0%, 0%, 0%) |
#FF00FF | cmyk(0%, 100%, 0%, 0%) |
#808080 | cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 50%) |
#FFA500 | cmyk(0%, 35%, 100%, 0%) |
#800080 | cmyk(0%, 100%, 0%, 50%) |
#3B82F6 | cmyk(76%, 47%, 0%, 4%) |
HEX and CMYK explained
A HEX color is a # followed by six hexadecimal digits: two each for red, green and blue, from 00 (none) to FF (full). It is the most common way to write colors in CSS and design tools.
CMYK is the ink model used in print: cyan, magenta, yellow and black (key), each from 0 to 100%. Printers mix these inks instead of light.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting change the color?
HEX, RGB and HSL describe the same screen colors, so converting between them is exact (HSL is rounded to whole numbers). CMYK is for print: the printed result depends on the printer's color profile, so treat screen-to-CMYK values as a starting point.
Can I use the result in CSS?
Yes. CSS accepts hex (#3B82F6), rgb(59, 130, 246) and hsl(217, 91%, 60%) directly. CMYK is not a CSS format; it is used in print and design software.
What about transparency?
Add an alpha value: 8-digit hex (#3B82F680) or rgba()/hsla() in CSS. The converter works with the solid color; the alpha value stays the same in every format.
Is this tool free?
Yes, it's free to use. No signup, no email required. Get results on this page.
How do I get my result?
Use the tool on this page. Your result appears here; no email delivery is required.