HEX to CMYK Converter

Convert a HEX or RGB color to CMYK percentages, or CMYK back to HEX. This uses the standard naive formula, which is fine for quick estimates. For real print jobs, convert with your printer's ICC profile.

CMYK
cmyk(0%, 70%, 74%, 9%)
RGB
rgb(232, 69, 60)
HEX
#E8453C

CMYK to HEX

Approximate screen color
#E8453C

The formula

With R, G and B scaled to 0-1: K = 1 − max(R, G, B), then C = (1 − R − K) / (1 − K), M = (1 − G − K) / (1 − K) and Y = (1 − B − K) / (1 − K). Pure black (#000000) is simply K = 100%.

This formula has no idea which paper or press you use, so it is an approximation. Adobe apps, for example, convert through an ICC profile and will show different numbers for the same HEX color. Read our RGB vs CMYK guide before sending files to print.

Examples (naive formula)

HEXRGBC, M, Y, K (%)
#E8453C232, 69, 600, 70, 74, 9
#2D5BE345, 91, 22780, 60, 0, 11
#18A55824, 165, 8885, 0, 47, 35
#F4A940244, 169, 640, 31, 74, 4
#1A1A1A26, 26, 260, 0, 0, 90
#FFFFFF255, 255, 2550, 0, 0, 0

Frequently asked questions

Is the CMYK value from a converter print-ready?

No. A simple formula ignores the paper, ink and press. Professional software converts through an ICC profile (for example FOGRA39 or GRACoL), which gives different numbers. Use the formula as a starting point and request a printed proof for brand colors.

Why do bright screen colors look dull in print?

Screens mix light (RGB) and can show saturated colors that CMYK inks cannot reproduce. Colors outside the printer's gamut are pulled to the nearest printable color.

What is rich black?

Black printed with K plus some C, M and Y, for example C60 M40 Y40 K100. It looks deeper than K-only black on large areas. Do not use it for small text, where slight registration shifts cause colored fringes.