HEX to CMYK

Convert HEX colors to CMYK print values.

Presets:

HEX Input

CMYK Output

cmyk(100%, 5%, 0%, 0%)

Cyan

100%

Magenta

Yellow

Key (Black)

Cyan (C): 100%Magenta (M): 5%Yellow (Y): 0%Key Black (K): 0%Total Ink: 105%RGB: 0, 242, 254

HEX (screen) vs CMYK (print)

HEX/RGB is an additive model for screens (mixing light), while CMYK is a subtractive model for printing (mixing cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks). This converter maps a HEX color to its closest CMYK percentages using the standard formula. Note that exact print color depends on your printer and paper's color profile, so treat CMYK output as a starting point. Calculated locally in your browser.

Built and maintained by Meet Shah · Last updated 18 July 2026

What this tool is used for

Producing an ink starting point from a web colour.
Getting CMYK percentages to send to a printer.
Comparing a digital palette against print requirements.
Converting a brand hex for print collateral.
Estimating roughly how a hex colour will print.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the conversion do step by step?: The hex is expanded to three 0–255 channels (a 3-digit shorthand doubles each nibble, so #abc becomes #aabbcc), scaled to 0–1, then K = 1 − max(R, G, B) and each ink is (1 − channel − K) / (1 − K). Pure black short-circuits, since that divisor would be zero.
Why is my brand hex not reproducible in print?: Because the sRGB gamut and a CMYK press gamut only partly overlap. Bright oranges, greens and anything neon are outside what four inks can mix, so the conversion returns the nearest printable colour. Brands that care usually specify a spot colour, which is a pre-mixed ink rather than a mix of four.
What is the Total Ink number warning me about?: Exceeding the press's total area coverage limit — commonly 240% to 300% depending on paper. Too much combined ink cannot dry between impressions and offsets onto the next sheet. It is the one number here that a printer will reject a file for.
Should I send my printer these values?: As a starting point, not a specification. A print shop converts from your source using the ICC profile for their exact press and stock, which will land on different numbers than a device-independent formula. Send them the original artwork and let the conversion happen once, in their colour-managed pipeline.
Why does #000000 give 0/0/0/100 rather than 100/100/100/100?: Because the formula extracts everything common to the three channels into K, and for pure black that is all of it. 100/100/100/100 would be 400% total ink — roughly double what any press allows. If you need a deeper black, use a rich-black mix, not four full plates.

Common errors and gotchas

Expecting the print to match the screen without a managed colour workflow.
Ignoring total ink coverage, which presses limit.
Converting black to a four-colour mix rather than pure black, which prints soft.
Assuming a vivid hex is achievable in ink, when many are outside the gamut.
Using the numbers as final rather than proofing them.