How to use the hex to pantone converter
- Enter your hex color code in the input field, with or without the
#prefix. Both 3-digit and 6-digit formats are accepted. - The tool instantly converts your hex value to sRGB, then to CIELAB color space under the D65 illuminant.
- It computes the CIE76 deltaE distance between your color and every Pantone solid coated swatch in the dataset.
- Review the closest match, its deltaE score, the quality label, and two alternate suggestions below.
How hex to Pantone matching works
A hex code defines an sRGB color, but Pantone numbers refer to physical ink formulations. To bridge that gap, this hex to pantone converter translates both colors into CIELAB space, which models human vision more uniformly than RGB.
The conversion follows three steps. First, the hex value is split into red, green and blue channels and linearized by removing the sRGB gamma curve. Second, the linear values are converted to CIE XYZ using the standard D65 matrix. Third, XYZ is mapped to CIELAB L*, a*, b* coordinates.
The distance between two colors is the CIE76 deltaE formula:
deltaE = sqrt((L1 - L2)^2 + (a1 - a2)^2 + (b1 - b2)^2)
For example, hex #0072c6 converts to approximately L*=47.1, a*=5.2, b*=-51.1. The stored entry for PMS 300 has nearly identical coordinates, yielding a deltaE of 0.00 and an "exact" label.
Understanding match quality labels
The deltaE value tells you how far apart two colors appear to the human eye. This tool assigns a plain-language label based on established thresholds:
| deltaE range | Label | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1.0 | Exact | Virtually indistinguishable on screen |
| 1.0 to 2.99 | Very close | Difference visible only side by side |
| 3.0 to 5.99 | Close | Noticeable difference, usable as a reference |
| 6.0 and above | Approximate | Clearly different; consider adjusting your design |
These thresholds apply to screen comparisons. Printed results may vary due to substrate, ink density and press conditions.
Screen approximations versus printed guides
The Pantone numbers returned by this hex to pantone converter are screen approximations derived from publicly documented hex equivalents of PMS solid coated colors. They are not official Pantone values. Monitors differ in calibration, gamut and brightness, so the same hex code can look different across devices.
For any professional print work, always verify your chosen Pantone number against a physical Pantone Solid Coated guide under controlled lighting. Relying solely on a screen match risks unexpected shifts in hue, saturation or lightness once the ink hits paper. If you need to go the other direction, use the pantone to hex tool to check what a known PMS number looks like on screen.
Pantone is a trademark of Pantone LLC and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pantone LLC. The values are screen approximations of the PMS solid coated library (907 colors), not official Pantone data.
Common hex codes and their Pantone matches
Here are several frequently used hex codes and the PMS solid coated numbers this tool identifies as the nearest match:
| Hex code | Pantone match | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| #e8112d | PMS 185 C | Bright red, common in branding |
| #0072c6 | PMS 300 C | Medium blue, corporate identity |
| #00b760 | PMS 354 C | Vivid green, environmental themes |
| #fcb514 | PMS 1235 C | Warm gold, awards and accents |
| #f4ed7c | PMS 100 C | Light yellow, highlights |
You can enter any of these directly into the converter to see the full deltaE breakdown and alternate suggestions.
Worked examples
| Example | Input | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pure red | HEX color code: #e8112d | Closest Pantone: PMS 185 C; Pantone HEX: #e8112d; Your HEX: #e8112d; deltaE: 0.00; Match quality: Exact; Alternates: PMS 1788 C (#ef2b2d, ΔE 5.18); PMS 192 C (#e5053a, ΔE 8.54) |
| Blue | HEX color code: 0072c6 | Closest Pantone: PMS 300 C; Pantone HEX: #0072c6; Your HEX: #0072c6; deltaE: 0.00; Match quality: Exact; Alternates: PMS 285 C (#3a75c4, ΔE 5.08); PMS 2718 C (#5b77cc, ΔE 11.26) |
| Green | HEX color code: #00b760 | Closest Pantone: PMS 354 C; Pantone HEX: #00b760; Your HEX: #00b760; deltaE: 0.00; Match quality: Exact; Alternates: PMS 355 C (#009e49, ΔE 9.70); PMS 360 C (#60c659, ΔE 15.43) |
| Short hex | HEX color code: fc0 | Closest Pantone: PMS 810 C; Pantone HEX: #ffcc1e; Your HEX: #ffcc00; deltaE: 3.71; Match quality: Close; Alternates: PMS 116 C (#fcd116, ΔE 4.14); PMS 123 C (#ffc61e, ΔE 6.09) |
FAQ
How accurate is this hex to pantone converter?
It uses CIE76 deltaE in CIELAB space, which closely models human color perception. However, the results are screen approximations of PMS solid coated colors. Always confirm critical choices with a physical Pantone guide.
Can I enter a 3-digit hex code?
Yes. The tool accepts both 3-digit and 6-digit hex codes, with or without the leading hash symbol. A 3-digit code like #fc0 is expanded to #ffcc00 before matching.
Why does my color show as approximate instead of exact?
Pantone solid coated inks cover a specific gamut that does not include every possible sRGB color. If your hex value falls outside that gamut, the closest PMS number will still have a noticeable deltaE difference.
Does this tool support Pantone pastel or metallic colors?
No. This converter only matches against the Pantone Matching System solid coated (PMS C) palette. Pastels, metallics and uncoated variants are not included.
Is my color data uploaded anywhere?
No. The entire hex to pantone calculation runs locally in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server.
What is the difference between PMS coated and uncoated?
Coated (C) refers to ink printed on glossy, coated paper stock, which produces more vibrant colors. Uncoated (U) is for matte, absorbent paper where colors appear softer. This tool uses coated references only.
Is this official Pantone data?
Pantone is a trademark of Pantone LLC and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pantone LLC. The values are screen approximations of the PMS solid coated library (907 colors), not official Pantone data.