CMYK to HEX Converter
Got a color from a print brand guide or a printer's proof? Enter its CMYK percentages to get the HEX code for websites, CSS and design apps, plus RGB, HSL, a live swatch and matching shades.
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How to use the CMYK to HEX Converter
- Enter the four ink values: cyan, magenta, yellow and black (K) as percentages from your brand guide or print file.
- Switch to fractions under Options if your values look like 0.5 instead of 50.
- Click Convert to HEX (results also update as you type) and read the HEX code in the swatch.
- Click Copy results to copy the HEX, RGB and HSL codes, or download the shades table as CSV.
- Try a preset such as Navy or Rich black to see how ink mixes map to screen colors.
How CMYK becomes a HEX code
A HEX code is RGB written in base 16, so the conversion has two stages. First, each ink percentage is turned into how much light is left over: cyan blocks red, magenta blocks green, yellow blocks blue, and black dims all three. Then each 0–255 channel is written as two hexadecimal digits (0–9 and A–F).
- R = 255 × (1 − C) × (1 − K)
- G = 255 × (1 − M) × (1 − K)
- B = 255 × (1 − Y) × (1 − K)
- HEX = # + two hex digits for R, G and B (e.g. 153 = 9 × 16 + 9 = 99)
Worked example: brick red C 0% M 75% Y 80% K 25%. R = 255 × 1 × 0.75 = 191.25 → 191 → BF; G = 255 × 0.25 × 0.75 = 47.8 → 48 → 30; B = 255 × 0.2 × 0.75 = 38.25 → 38 → 26. The HEX code is #BF3026.
CMYK to HEX reference chart
| Color | C, M, Y, K (%) | HEX | RGB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | 0, 50, 100, 0 | #FF8000 | 255, 128, 0 |
| Navy | 100, 80, 0, 40 | #001F99 | 0, 31, 153 |
| Forest green | 56, 0, 26, 58 | #2F6B4F | 47, 107, 79 |
| Brick red | 0, 75, 80, 25 | #BF3026 | 191, 48, 38 |
| Teal | 100, 0, 40, 20 | #00CC7A | 0, 204, 122 |
| Warm gray | 0, 10, 20, 40 | #998A7A | 153, 138, 122 |
| Sky blue | 50, 10, 0, 0 | #80E6FF | 128, 230, 255 |
| Plum | 30, 80, 0, 35 | #7421A6 | 116, 33, 166 |
| Mustard | 0, 20, 90, 15 | #D9AD16 | 217, 173, 22 |
| Cream | 0, 5, 20, 0 | #FFF2CC | 255, 242, 204 |
| Charcoal | 0, 0, 0, 80 | #333333 | 51, 51, 51 |
| Process cyan | 100, 0, 0, 0 | #00FFFF | 0, 255, 255 |
| Process magenta | 0, 100, 0, 0 | #FF00FF | 255, 0, 255 |
Tips for matching print and web colors
- Keep both values in your brand guide. List the CMYK mix for print and the HEX code for screens instead of converting back and forth each time.
- Expect brighter screen colors. The formula assumes perfect inks. If the HEX version looks too vivid next to a printed sample, nudge it by eye or convert in a design app using your printer's ICC profile.
- Blacks are special. Every mix with K 100% becomes #000000, so a rich black and a plain black look identical on screen even though they print differently.
- Check text contrast. The result panel shows whether white or dark text reads better on your color, using the WCAG contrast ratio (4.5:1 or more is recommended for body text).
Converting the other way? Use HEX to CMYK, or CMYK to RGB for sliders and more color formats.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert CMYK to HEX?
First convert CMYK to RGB: divide each percentage by 100, then R = 255 × (1 − C) × (1 − K), G = 255 × (1 − M) × (1 − K) and B = 255 × (1 − Y) × (1 − K). Round each to a whole number and write it as two hexadecimal digits. For example, C 0% M 50% Y 100% K 0% gives RGB 255, 128, 0, which is #FF8000.
What is the HEX code for 100% K black?
C 0% M 0% Y 0% K 100% converts to #000000. Rich black mixes such as C 60% M 40% Y 40% K 100% also convert to #000000, because 100% black already sets every RGB channel to zero in the standard formula.
Why does the HEX color look brighter than my print?
Screens emit light and can show more saturated colors than ink on paper. This tool uses the standard profile-free formula, so pure process cyan becomes #00FFFF. Design apps that convert through an ICC profile such as GRACoL or FOGRA39 show a duller cyan, closer to #00AEEF, which better predicts the printed result.
Will converting the HEX code back give the same CMYK values?
Not always. Many CMYK mixes produce the same HEX code, and the reverse conversion picks the version with the most black (for example #FF8000 returns C 0% M 50% Y 100% K 0%, but #000000 always returns K 100% only). Keep the original CMYK values for print and use the HEX code for screens.
Is the HEX code case sensitive?
No. #FF8000 and #ff8000 are the same color in CSS, HTML and design software. Choose uppercase or lowercase under Options to match your style guide.
What is a 3-digit HEX code?
When each pair of digits repeats, such as #FF8800, the code can be shortened to #F80. The tool shows the shorthand whenever your color allows it; otherwise use the full 6-digit code.
What does total ink coverage mean?
It is C + M + Y + K added together. Many printers cap it around 300% (often lower on uncoated paper) so the ink dries properly. It has no effect on the HEX result, but it is a handy check when you design colors for print.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.