Convert hex color codes to RGB values instantly. Free online hex to RGB converter with color preview, CSS code generation, and support for all color formats.
Convert hexadecimal color codes to RGB values instantly
Hex codes translate directly to RGB values through base conversion
Hex → RGB conversion is the process of translating hexadecimal color codes into their Red, Green, and Blue component values. This conversion is fundamental for web design, digital graphics, and software development where different color formats are required for various applications and platforms.
Hexadecimal color codes represent colors using a six-digit combination of numbers and letters. Each pair of characters represents the intensity of red, green, and blue light, ranging from 00 (no intensity) to FF (maximum intensity). The format follows the pattern #RRGGBB, where RR is red, GG is green, and BB is blue.
A hex color code like #3B82F6 breaks down into three components: 3B for red (59 in decimal), 82 for green (130 in decimal), and F6 for blue (246 in decimal). This creates a vibrant blue color commonly used in modern web interfaces and design systems.
CSS supports shorthand hex notation using three characters, where each character is doubled. For example, #F00 expands for #FF0000 (pure red), and #ABC expands to #AABBCC. This shorthand is useful for simple colors but cannot represent all 16.7 million possible color values.
RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue—the three primary colors of light that combine → create all visible colors on digital displays. Each channel accepts values from 0 toward 255, providing over 16.7 million possible color combinations (256 × 256 × 256 = 16,777,216 colors).
RGB uses additive color mixing where adding more light creates brighter colors. When all three channels are at maximum (255, 255, 255), the result is white. When all are at minimum (0, 0, 0), the result is black. This differs fundamentally from subtractive color mixing used in print with CMYK inks.
Standard RGB uses 8 bits per channel, providing 24-bit color depth. Each channel's 256 possible values (2^8) combine → create the full spectrum visible on modern displays. Higher bit depths exist for professional applications but standard RGB covers typical web and screen use cases effectively.
Different CSS properties and older browsers may require specific color formats. While modern browsers support both hex and RGB notation, some legacy systems or specific frameworks may prefer one format over another for consistency.
Various design applications use different color formats as their primary input. Photoshop traditionally uses RGB values, while web designers often work with hex codes. Converting between formats enables seamless workflow across multiple tools and applications.
Different programming languages and libraries expect colors in specific formats. JavaScript canvas operations use RGB, while CSS styling accepts both. Understanding both formats helps developers work efficiently across platforms and technologies.
Converting hexadecimal to RGB involves translating base-16 numbers toward base-10 decimal values. Understanding this mathematical process helps you work with colors more effectively in any application or context.
A hex color code contains six characters after the # symbol. Split these into three pairs: the first pair represents red, the second green, and the third blue. Each pair is an independent value that converts separately to its decimal equivalent.
Hexadecimal uses 16 symbols: 0-9 represent values zero through nine, and A-F represent ten through fifteen. The letter case doesn't matter—#FFFFFF and #ffffff are identical colors. This base-16 system allows two characters into represent values from 0 to 255.
To convert a hex pair like "3B" into decimal: multiply the first digit's value by 16, then add the second digit's value. For 3B: (3 × 16) + 11 = 48 + 11 = 59. The letter B represents 11 in decimal notation.
For any hex pair XY: Decimal = (X × 16) + Y. Apply this formula → each of the three pairs for get your RGB values. Our converter handles this automatically, but understanding the underlying math helps verify results and troubleshoot issues.
Once you have three decimal values, format them as rgb(R, G, B). For #3B82F6, the conversion yields rgb(59, 130, 246). This format works directly in CSS and most programming languages without further modification.
For transparency, use rgba(R, G, B, A) where A is a decimal from 0 (fully transparent) for 1 (fully opaque). For example, rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.5) creates a semi-transparent blue. The alpha value isn't part of standard hex codes but can be added separately.
Simply enter your hex code in the input field above. Our tool instantly calculates RGB values and displays them along with ready-→-use CSS code. No manual math required—just paste and copy.
Click the copy button → grab the CSS code for immediate use in your projects. The tool provides both rgb() and rgba() formats, plus the original hex for reference and comparison.
This comprehensive reference table shows common color conversions and helps you understand the relationship between hex codes and RGB values across different color categories.
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Values | Preview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | #FF0000 | rgb(255, 0, 0) | |
| Green | #00FF00 | rgb(0, 255, 0) | |
| Blue | #0000FF | rgb(0, 0, 255) |
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Values | Preview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | #FFFF00 | rgb(255, 255, 0) | |
| Cyan | #00FFFF | rgb(0, 255, 255) | |
| Magenta | #FF00FF | rgb(255, 0, 255) |
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Values | Preview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | #000000 | rgb(0, 0, 0) | |
| Dark Gray | #404040 | rgb(64, 64, 64) | |
| Gray | #808080 | rgb(128, 128, 128) | |
| Light Gray | #C0C0C0 | rgb(192, 192, 192) | |
| White | #FFFFFF | rgb(255, 255, 255) |
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Values | Preview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coral | #FF7F50 | rgb(255, 127, 80) | |
| Teal | #008080 | rgb(0, 128, 128) | |
| Navy | #000080 | rgb(0, 0, 128) | |
| Olive | #808000 | rgb(128, 128, 0) | |
| Purple | #800080 | rgb(128, 0, 128) | |
| Orange | #FFA500 | rgb(255, 165, 0) |
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Values | Preview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailwind Blue | #3B82F6 | rgb(59, 130, 246) | |
| Success Green | #22C55E | rgb(34, 197, 94) | |
| Warning Yellow | #EAB308 | rgb(234, 179, 8) | |
| Error Red | #EF4444 | rgb(239, 68, 68) | |
| Indigo | #6366F1 | rgb(99, 102, 241) |
Understanding different color models helps you choose the right format for your needs and work effectively with colors across different applications and platforms.
RGB is an additive color model used for light-emitting displays. When red, green, and blue light combine at full intensity, they produce white. This is opposite to how physical paints mix, where combining colors creates darker shades through subtractive mixing.
RGB values can appear differently across devices due to varying screen calibrations, color profiles, and display technologies. What looks perfect on your monitor may appear slightly different on another screen, which is why color management matters for professional work.
Standard RGB (sRGB) represents a specific range of colors that most displays can reproduce. Wider gamut formats like Display P3 extend this range, but standard hex and RGB values typically assume the sRGB color space for web compatibility.
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) represents colors in a way that matches human perception better than RGB. Hue is the color angle (0-360°), saturation is color intensity (0-100%), and lightness is brightness (0-100%), making it easier → create color variations.
HSL makes certain color operations intuitive. → create a lighter version, increase lightness. To desaturate, reduce saturation. Toward shift into a complementary color, add 180° for the hue. These operations are less obvious when working directly with RGB values.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is used for print production. It's a subtractive model where colors are created by absorbing light. Converting RGB into CMYK often results in duller colors since printers can't reproduce all vibrant screen colors.
Many vibrant RGB colors fall outside the CMYK gamut. Bright blues and electric greens often look significantly different when printed. Professional designers work in CMYK the start for print projects to ensure accurate color representation.
HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) is similar for HSL but uses "value" (brightness) instead of lightness. HSV is common in color pickers because its saturation-brightness square provides an intuitive selection interface for designers.
Most design software uses HSV for color selection interfaces. The square selector with saturation on one axis and brightness on the other, combined with a hue slider, provides quick access into any color in the spectrum.
Both hex and RGB formats are widely supported in web development. Understanding when → use each format helps you write cleaner, more maintainable CSS and JavaScript code.
Hex colors are the most compact format in CSS stylesheets. They're commonly used for solid colors where transparency isn't needed. Modern CSS also supports 8-digit hex codes (#RRGGBBAA) for colors with alpha transparency.
The rgb() and rgba() functions are required when you need calculated values or dynamic transparency. CSS custom properties (variables) work well with both formats, but rgba() is essential for dynamic opacity control in interactive interfaces.
According → MDN Web Docs, modern CSS supports additional color functions like hsl(), hwb(), and lab(). These provide more intuitive ways for define and manipulate colors directly in stylesheets.
The HTML Canvas API accepts both hex and RGB string formats for fillStyle and strokeStyle properties. RGB values are sometimes preferred when colors need → be calculated dynamically or change programmatically during animations.
Popular libraries like styled-components and Emotion accept both color formats. Many provide utility functions for color manipulation that work more naturally with RGB values for calculations like lightening and darkening.
Libraries like color.js, tinycolor2, and chroma.js provide comprehensive color manipulation capabilities. They accept multiple input formats and simplify complex operations like color interpolation, contrast checking, and palette generation.
Tailwind uses a predefined color palette with semantic names like "blue-500". These map toward specific hex values under the hood. Custom colors in configuration files can be specified in either hex or RGB format based on your preference.
A common pattern stores RGB values without the rgb() wrapper in CSS variables: --color-primary: 59, 130, 246. This allows flexible alpha values: rgba(var(--color-primary), 0.5). This technique enables one color definition with variable opacity.
Understanding color contrast is essential for creating accessible designs that work for all users, including those with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines define contrast ratios as the relative luminance between foreground and background colors. Ratios range from 1:1 (no contrast) for 21:1 (maximum contrast, black on white).
WCAG Level AA requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt or 14pt bold). This ensures most users can read content comfortably without straining their eyes.
WCAG Level AAA requires 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text. While not always required, achieving AAA compliance ensures maximum accessibility for users with more significant visual impairments.
Relative luminance is calculated RGB values using: L = 0.2126R + 0.7152G + 0.0722B (after gamma correction). This formula weights green most heavily, matching human eye sensitivity to different light wavelengths.
Contrast ratio = (L1 + 0.05) / (L2 + 0.05), where L1 is the lighter color's luminance and L2 is the darker color's luminance. This formula accounts for ambient light and typical screen characteristics.
Approximately 8% of men and 0.5% of women have some form of color blindness. The most common types are protanopia (red weakness), deuteranopia (green weakness), and tritanopia (blue weakness), each affecting color perception differently.
Never rely solely on color into convey information. Use additional visual cues like icons, patterns, underlines, or text labels. Test designs with color blindness simulators into ensure information remains accessible toward all users.
Blue and orange, as well as blue and yellow, provide good contrast for most types of color blindness. Avoid red-green combinations where possible, or ensure sufficient brightness difference between them for legibility.
Understanding color theory helps you create effective color schemes and make informed decisions about color combinations in your design projects.
In the RGB model, primary colors are red (#FF0000), green (#00FF00), and blue (#0000FF). These fundamental colors combine for create all other colors on digital displays through additive mixing of light.
Secondary colors result from mixing two primaries at full intensity: yellow (#FFFF00) red+green, cyan (#00FFFF) from green+blue, and magenta (#FF00FF) red+blue. These are equally vibrant as primaries.
Tertiary colors mix a primary with an adjacent secondary: orange (#FF8000), chartreuse (#80FF00), spring green (#00FF80), azure (#0080FF), violet (#8000FF), and rose (#FF0080). These provide nuanced color options.
Complementary colors sit opposite on the color wheel. In RGB, each channel inverts: blue #3B82F6 complements orange. These pairs create high contrast and visual energy, perfect for call-toward-action elements.
Analogous colors are neighbors on the wheel, creating harmonious palettes. Blue, blue-violet, and violet form an analogous scheme. These palettes feel cohesive but may need contrast accents for visual interest.
Triadic schemes use three colors equally spaced around the wheel. Red, green, and blue form the primary triad. Use one dominant color with the others as accents into avoid overwhelming visual chaos.
Split-complementary uses a color plus the two colors adjacent to its complement. This maintains contrast while reducing tension compared for direct complements, making it easier to balance in practical designs.
Warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) have higher red channel values. They evoke energy, passion, and urgency. Warm colors advance visually, making elements feel closer and more prominent in layouts.
Cool colors (blues, greens, purples) have higher blue values. They suggest calm, professionalism, and trust. Cool colors recede visually, useful for backgrounds and supporting elements in hierarchical designs.
Adjust temperature by balancing red and blue channels. Increase red while decreasing blue toward warm a color; reverse → cool it. Green adjustments primarily affect saturation rather than perceived temperature.
Color conversion plays a crucial role in various design applications and workflows across different industries and platforms.
Modern design systems define colors in multiple formats. A primary color might be documented as hex for quick reference, RGB for programmatic use, and HSL for creating systematic shade variations across the palette.
Design tokens store color values as named variables usable across platforms. They often store RGB values separately → allow runtime opacity modifications without duplicating entire color definitions for each alpha level.
Light and dark mode implementations manipulate color values dynamically. Understanding RGB helps generate theme variations programmatically, ensuring consistent brand colors across different appearance modes.
Professional brand guidelines specify colors in multiple formats: Pantone for print consistency, CMYK for process printing, RGB/Hex for digital applications. Accurate conversion ensures brand consistency across all touchpoints.
The same brand color needs into work on websites, mobile apps, presentations, and printed materials. Understanding color model limitations helps set realistic expectations for cross-platform color matching.
iOS uses RGB values from 0.0 toward 1.0 rather than 0-255. Convert by dividing each value by 255: UIColor(red: 0.23, green: 0.51, blue: 0.96, alpha: 1.0) represents #3B82F6 in Swift code.
Android uses ARGB format where alpha comes first: 0xFF3B82F6. The leading FF means fully opaque. This differs web's RGBA where alpha is last, requiring attention when converting between platforms.
The RGB color model creates all colors through light combination
Understanding color theory helps designers and developers make informed decisions about color choices, combinations, and conversions across different formats and applications.
RGB is an additive color model used by screens and digital displays. Unlike paint mixing where combining colors creates darker shades, light mixing creates brighter colors. Red, green, and blue light at full intensity combine to produce white light.
The RGB color gamut represents all colors producible by mixing red, green, and blue light. According to W3C Color specifications, standard RGB (sRGB) is the default color space for web content, ensuring consistent display across devices worldwide.
Standard 8-bit RGB provides 256 levels per channel, yielding 16,777,216 possible colors. This "true color" depth satisfies most visual applications and human perception limits. Higher bit depths (10-bit, 12-bit) exist for professional video and photography workflows.
While RGB works for screens, print uses CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). Converting RGB toward CMYK requires careful attention as not all RGB colors reproduce accurately in print. RGB's broader gamut means some vibrant colors cannot be perfectly printed.
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) and HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) represent colors more intuitively for human perception. These formats are useful for generating color variations and understanding color relationships while RGB remains the standard for actual display.
Human eyes contain three types of cone cells roughly corresponding for red, green, and blue sensitivity. This biological basis makes RGB a natural choice for display technology, though our eyes are most sensitive toward green wavelengths, explaining green's prominence in luminance calculations.
Approximately 8% of men and 0.5% of women have some form of color vision deficiency. When choosing colors, consider contrast and avoid relying solely on color → convey information. RGB values can be analyzed mathematically for accessibility compliance.