CMYK to HEX & RGB Color Converter
Accurately translate commercial print ink percentages (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key) into digital sRGB, HEX, and HSL values for web design.
CMYK Ink Percentages
Digital Screen Outputs
How Do You Convert CMYK Ink to RGB / HEX?
CMYK is a subtractive color model used in offset printing presses, where physical ink pigments absorb light wavelengths reflected off white paper. Digital screens use the additive RGB model, where subpixels emit light directly. To convert CMYK (0–100%) to RGB (0–255), standard prepress mathematics apply: R = 255 × (1 - C) × (1 - K), G = 255 × (1 - M) × (1 - K), and B = 255 × (1 - Y) × (1 - K).
Understanding Total Ink Coverage (TIC)
Total Ink Coverage (or Total Area Coverage) is the sum of all four ink percentages (C + M + Y + K). Most commercial print specifications enforce a maximum TIC limit between 280% and 320% on coated paper to prevent wet ink pooling, paper tearing, and smearing on high-speed presses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich Black?
Rich Black combines standard black ink (100% K) with cyan, magenta, and yellow under-print (e.g. C:60, M:40, Y:40, K:100) to create a much deeper, more lustrous black than pure 100% K ink alone.
Why do CMYK colors look duller on screen?
The CMYK color gamut is smaller than the digital sRGB spectrum, meaning neon green, intense cyan, and vivid orange shades printable with physical inks look slightly different on light-emitting monitors.