CodeKitHubWhat Is This Tool?
CMYK-to-RGB and RGB-to-Hex conversions in this tool are exact, algorithmic color-space math (the standard subtractive-color formula) — there's no approximation involved, the same hex will always produce the same CMYK and vice versa.
Pantone matching is different: Pantone LLC's exact proprietary color values are commercially licensed and not published as a free, redistributable dataset. This tool uses an openly available sRGB approximation table covering 1,341 solid coated and uncoated Pantone Matching System colors, cross-checked against independent references for well-known colors like Pantone 186 C (#C8102E) and Reflex Blue C (#001489) — but it is a close on-screen approximation for reference and planning purposes, not a substitute for an official Pantone physical swatch book.
Why Use It?
- Paste a hex or RGB value from a design file to instantly see its CMYK equivalent and the closest Pantone spot color for print references.
- Enter CMYK percentages from a print spec to see the resulting RGB/Hex for on-screen mockups, plus the nearest Pantone name.
- Search directly by Pantone code or name (like "186 C" or "Reflex Blue C") to look up its RGB, Hex and CMYK values without opening a swatch book.
- See the top 4 closest Pantone matches for any color, not just one, so you can compare nearby options.
- Free, instant, client-side — no upload, no account, no build step.
How to Use
- If you're designing for print: enter your CMYK values in the CMYK tab to get the RGB/Hex for screen previews, and check the suggested Pantone matches for spot-color references — but verify the final print color against a physical Pantone swatch book before production.
- If you're designing for screen: enter a hex code or RGB value in the Hex/RGB tab to get the exact CMYK equivalent for any print assets you also need to produce.
- If you already have a Pantone code: use the Pantone code tab to search by number or name (e.g. "468 C") and load its RGB, Hex and CMYK values directly, with no conversion needed since it's read straight from the reference table.
- Click any hex, RGB, CMYK value or Pantone chip in the results to copy it to your clipboard.
Example
Input
#C8102EOutput
cmyk(0, 92, 77, 22) — closest Pantone: 186 C (exact)#C8102E is the standard sRGB approximation for Pantone 186 C, a well-known deep red, so the Pantone match is exact rather than approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Pantone colors shown here officially licensed by Pantone LLC?
No. Pantone's exact proprietary values are commercially licensed and not freely redistributable. This tool uses an open sRGB approximation table for 1,341 solid coated/uncoated PMS colors, which we spot-checked against independent references for colors like 186 C, 300 C, 468 C and Reflex Blue C and found to match. It's accurate enough for design planning and screen previews, but for final print production you should always confirm against a current physical Pantone swatch book.
Why can't a Pantone color and its RGB/Hex approximation ever look identical?
Pantone colors are physical spot inks viewed under specific lighting on specific paper stock, while RGB/Hex describe light emitted by a screen. The two color systems have different gamuts, so an sRGB value can only ever approximate how a Pantone ink actually looks in print — this is true even for Pantone's own official conversion charts, not just this tool.
Is the CMYK-to-RGB conversion here exact?
Yes — CMYK and RGB are both defined color spaces with a standard mathematical relationship (R = 255 × (1-C) × (1-K), and similarly for G and B), so the conversion is deterministic and exact. It's only the CMYK/RGB-to-Pantone step that's an approximation, because Pantone spot colors aren't defined by that formula.
What's the difference between a Pantone "C" and "U" code?
The suffix indicates the paper stock the color was matched on: C is Coated (glossy) stock and U is Uncoated (matte) stock. The same PMS number can look noticeably different between the two, and colors in this dataset are labeled with their C or U variant where available — always match the suffix to your actual print substrate.
Can I look up a Pantone color if I only know its number, not the full name?
Yes — the Pantone code search matches on any part of the name or number, so searching "186" will surface "186 C" (and any other 186-numbered variants in the dataset) even without typing the full code.