Convert CMYK to RGB
Convert CMYK values like cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%) into CSS rgb(255, 87, 51)—fast, private, and right in your browser.
- Paste a single CMYK color or a whole palette
- Use one color per line for batch conversion
- Copy your RGB results instantly
Quick start
- Paste your CMYK color(s) into the input.
- Use one color per line.
- Copy the RGB results.
Single color
Input:
cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)Output:
rgb(255, 87, 51)Palette / batch conversion
Input:
cmyk(0%, 100%, 0%, 0%)
cmyk(100%, 0%, 0%, 0%)
cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 85%)Output (example):
rgb(255, 0, 255)
rgb(0, 255, 255)
rgb(38, 38, 38)CMYK conversions are typically approximations. Small differences are normal depending on how CMYK is interpreted.
What CMYK means (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)
CMYK is a subtractive color model used for printing.
- C = Cyan
- M = Magenta
- Y = Yellow
- K = Key (Black)
Why “subtractive”?
- Paper reflects light.
- Inks absorb (subtract) parts of that light.
- More ink usually means a darker result.
In real print workflows, CMYK values are influenced by:
- the ink set
- the paper stock
- press calibration
- an ICC profile (the rules that map CMYK ↔ color)
What RGB means
RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue—the three light channels used by screens.
- Each channel is an integer from 0 to 255.
rgb(0, 0, 0)is black.rgb(255, 255, 255)is white.
RGB is a natural output format when you’re working in:
- CSS and browser APIs
- canvas / WebGL
- any code that does color math
Why CMYK → RGB is an approximation
CMYK describes ink percentages, not a single universal color. The same CMYK values can print differently depending on the press and paper.
RGB describes how colors appear on an sRGB display.
Accurate conversion between the two normally requires a specific CMYK ICC profile. Without that, conversion tools must make assumptions.
This is still very useful when you need:
- a quick screen preview of print specs
- rough RGB values for web implementations
- sanity checks when translating brand guidelines
For print-critical accuracy, use a color-managed workflow with the correct profile.
How CMYK → RGB conversion works
Conceptually, the converter does this for each line:
- Read CMYK percentages (0–100%)
- Convert into an RGB estimate (screen representation)
- Format the result as
rgb(r, g, b)
Because step (2) depends on assumptions, rounding and minor differences are expected.
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
Extra spaces at the start/end of a line
Leading and trailing spaces are ignored.
✅ cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)
🚫 cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)
Missing % signs
CMYK values are percentages:
✅ cmyk(100%, 0%, 0%, 0%)
🚫 cmyk(100, 0, 0, 0)
Values outside 0–100%
Keep all channels within range:
✅ cmyk(0%, 100%, 0%, 0%)
🚫 cmyk(0%, 120%, 0%, -10%)
Practical uses
- Turn print specs into web-ready RGB for sites and UI implementations
- Translate brand guidelines (print → screen)
- Preview CMYK palettes on screen using a consistent RGB format
- Use numeric channels for code (gradients, animations, interpolation)
If you’re implementing brand colors from print documentation on a website, CMYK → RGB gives you a fast starting point—then you can fine-tune by eye on real screens (and confirm with the official brand palette if available).
