CMYK to RGB Converter
Convert CMYK print color values to RGB for use in digital designs. Enter your cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black) percentages to get the equivalent red, green, and blue values.
Convert CMYK to RGB
rgb(239 191 4)
Also available in
| Code | Value | HTML/CSS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEX | EFBF04 | #EFBF04 | |
| HSL | 48, 97, 48 | hsl(48 97% 48%) | |
| HSV | 48, 98, 94 | — | |
| OKLCH | 0.82, 0.17, 90 | oklch(0.82 0.17 90) |
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The formula is straightforward: R = 255 × (1 − C/100) × (1 − K/100), G = 255 × (1 − M/100) × (1 − K/100), B = 255 × (1 − Y/100) × (1 − K/100). Each CMYK percentage is divided by 100 to normalize it to the 0–1 range, then the ink coverage and key (black) channel are subtracted from the maximum light intensity.
When to use CMYK vs RGB
RGB is the color model for anything displayed on a screen — websites, apps, presentations, social media graphics. CMYK is for anything printed on paper with commercial presses. You need this conversion when moving brand colors from print specifications into digital design tools, or when replicating a printed material's color palette in a web or mobile project.
Worked example
Convert CMYK(20, 0, 80, 10) to RGB: R = 255 × (1−0.20) × (1−0.10) = 255 × 0.80 × 0.90 = 184. G = 255 × (1−0) × (1−0.10) = 255 × 1.0 × 0.90 = 230. B = 255 × (1−0.80) × (1−0.10) = 255 × 0.20 × 0.90 = 46. Result: RGB(184, 230, 46) — a bright lime green.
Precision note
The mathematical conversion is exact, but the perceived color can differ between a printed page and a monitor because the two media produce color in fundamentally different ways. For critical brand color matching, use ICC profiles and a calibrated display.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert CMYK to RGB?
Each RGB channel is calculated from CMYK using the formula: R = 255 × (1 - C/100) × (1 - K/100), G = 255 × (1 - M/100) × (1 - K/100), B = 255 × (1 - Y/100) × (1 - K/100).
What is the difference between CMYK and RGB?
RGB is an additive color model for screens (combining red, green, and blue light). CMYK is a subtractive model for printing (combining cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink). They represent overlapping but different color gamuts.
Are CMYK and RGB conversions exact?
The mathematical conversion is precise, but the perceived color may differ between a printed page and a screen because the color models work differently. For production printing, use ICC profiles for accurate matching.