Hex to RGB Color Converter

How to Use the Hex to RGB Converter

Converting hex color codes to RGB values is instant with our tool. Simply type or paste a hex color code (with or without the # symbol) into the input field. The converter displays the RGB values, CSS rgb() function format, and individual red, green, and blue channel values, along with a large color preview swatch.

You can also use the color picker below the preview to select a color visually and get its hex and RGB values. Copy any value to your clipboard by clicking the copy icon next to it.

Understanding Hex Color Codes

A hex color code is a way of representing colors using hexadecimal (base-16) notation. Each hex color code consists of six characters (0-9 and A-F), with an optional # prefix. The six characters are divided into three pairs, each representing the intensity of one color channel:

• Characters 1-2 (RR): The red channel, from 00 (no red) to FF (maximum red = 255).
• Characters 3-4 (GG): The green channel, from 00 (no green) to FF (maximum green = 255).
• Characters 5-6 (BB): The blue channel, from 00 (no blue) to FF (maximum blue = 255).

For example, the hex code #FF5733 translates to R: 255, G: 87, B: 51 — a vivid orange-red color. Pure red is #FF0000, pure green is #00FF00, pure blue is #0000FF, and white is #FFFFFF.

Hex vs. RGB: When to Use Each

Both hex and RGB are widely supported in web technologies, but each has its strengths:

Hex Colors

Hex codes are compact and widely used in CSS, HTML, and design tools. They are easy to copy, paste, and share. Most designers and developers are familiar with them, and they appear in design specifications, brand guidelines, and color palettes. Hex codes are especially popular for static colors in stylesheets.

RGB Colors

RGB notation is more intuitive for understanding color composition, since you can directly see the intensity of each channel. RGB is also the basis for the RGBA format, which adds an alpha channel for transparency. In CSS, rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5) creates a semi-transparent orange-red — something that requires an 8-digit hex code.

Color Theory Basics

Digital colors are based on additive color mixing, where light of different wavelengths combines to create new colors. Unlike subtractive mixing used in painting (where combining colors creates darker shades), additive mixing creates lighter colors as more light is added:

• Red + Green = Yellow: #FFFF00
• Red + Blue = Magenta: #FF00FF
• Green + Blue = Cyan: #00FFFF
• Red + Green + Blue = White: #FFFFFF
• No color = Black: #000000

Common Hex Color References

• #000000 — Black (0, 0, 0)
• #FFFFFF — White (255, 255, 255)
• #FF0000 — Red (255, 0, 0)
• #00FF00 — Green (0, 255, 0)
• #0000FF — Blue (0, 0, 255)
• #808080 — Gray (128, 128, 128)
• #FFA500 — Orange (255, 165, 0)
• #800080 — Purple (128, 0, 128)

Using Colors in Web Development

Modern CSS supports multiple color formats. Here are the most common ways to specify colors in CSS:

• Hex: color: #6366f1;
• RGB: color: rgb(99, 102, 241);
• RGBA: color: rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.8);
• HSL: color: hsl(239, 84%, 67%);
• Named colors: color: indigo;

Tips for Working with Colors

• Use the color picker for visual exploration and the hex input for precise values from design specs.
• When designing for accessibility, ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text.
• Hex shorthand (#RGB) only works when each pair has identical digits. For example, #ABC = #AABBCC but there is no shorthand for #6366F1.
• Save frequently used color values to a design system or CSS variables for consistency across your project.