Tools / Color Converter / HEX → CMYK
HEX to CMYK Converter.
HEX to CMYK is the conversion designers reach for when a web color needs a print spec. It runs hex → RGB → CMYK. Remember it's a screen-approximation — the printed result depends on the press, so treat these numbers as a starting point for a proof, not a guarantee.
Not a recognizable HEX color.
All formats
The HEX → CMYK formula
Hex → RGB, normalize to 0-1, then K = 1 − max and C,M,Y = (1−channel−K)/(1−K).
Worked example
Convert #9A2A2A:
- Hex → rgb(154, 42, 42)
- Normalize → (0.604, 0.165, 0.165), K = 0.396 → 40%
- C = (1−0.604−0.396)/0.604 = 0%? → C ≈ 0%, M ≈ 73%, Y ≈ 73%
- Result: cmyk(0%, 73%, 73%, 40%)
JavaScript
// hexToRgb then rgbToCmyk (see colorConvert.ts)
const rgb = hexToRgb("#9A2A2A"); // {r:154,g:42,b:42}
const cmyk = rgbToCmyk(rgb); // [0, 73, 73, 40]FAQ
Should I trust hex→CMYK for brand printing?
Use it to get close, then ask your printer for a Pantone or ICC-profiled equivalent. Brand reds and blues in particular need a proof because they sit near the CMYK gamut edge.
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