Hex to CMYK color converter

Hex to CMYK color converter calculator can be used for converting hexadecimal color codes to CMYK color values, which is useful for graphic design and printing applications.

Input Parameters

Enter a valid hex color code (e.g., #FF5733)

Calculation Results

CMYK Color Values

Cyan (C):

Magenta (M):

Yellow (Y):

Key (Black) (K):

Calculation Formula

CMYK = (1-RGB)/(1-K)

Where:
RGB = (R/255, G/255, B/255)
K = min(1-R, 1-G, 1-B)
C = (1-R)/(1-K) if K≠1, otherwise C = 0
M = (1-G)/(1-K) if K≠1, otherwise M = 0
Y = (1-B)/(1-K) if K≠1, otherwise Y = 0

Hex to CMYK color converter Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Hex to CMYK color converter calculator and its working principles

How to use the calculator

  1. Enter a valid hexadecimal color code in the format #RRGGBB (e.g., #FF5733). The first character must be a hash symbol (#).
  2. Click the "Calculate" button to convert the hex color to CMYK values.
  3. The calculator will display the Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Key (Black) (K) values.
  4. If you want to copy the hex color code, click the copy icon next to the input field.
  5. Click "Reset" to clear all inputs and results.

Working principle

The calculator converts hex color codes to CMYK color values using the following formula:

CMYK = (1-RGB)/(1-K)

Where RGB represents the red, green, and blue components of the hex color, divided by 255 to normalize to a range of 0-1. The key (black) component K is calculated as the minimum of (1-R), (1-G), and (1-B).

For example, the hex color #FF5733 (bright orange) will be converted to CMYK values that represent how much cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink would be needed to create this color on a printer.

Practical applications

This calculator is particularly useful for:

  • Graphic designers who need to convert web colors to print colors
  • Printers who need to adjust color profiles for different media
  • Creative professionals who work with color management systems
  • Students learning about color theory and color spaces

Keep in mind that CMYK colors may look slightly different from RGB colors on screen due to differences in color gamut between display devices and printing processes.