Hex Color to Pantone Converter
Find the closest Pantone (PMS) color match for any hex color code. Uses Delta-E color distance in CIELAB color space for perceptually accurate matching. Also shows RGB, HSL, and CMYK conversions.
Color Converter
Enter a 3 or 6 digit hex code with or without #
How to Use This Tool
Enter Your Hex Color
Type a hex code like #FF5733 or use the visual color picker to select a color. Both 3-digit and 6-digit hex codes are supported.
Find Pantone Match
Click the convert button and the tool will search through the Pantone color database using Delta-E color distance for accurate matching.
Review Results
See the closest Pantone match with accuracy score, a side-by-side comparison, and the top 5 nearest Pantone colors along with RGB, HSL, and CMYK values.
Delta-E Color Distance Formula
Delta-E = sqrt((L2-L1)2 + (a2-a1)2 + (b2-b1)2)The Delta-E (CIE76) formula measures the Euclidean distance between two colors in the CIELAB color space. CIELAB is designed to be perceptually uniform, meaning equal distances correspond to roughly equal perceived color differences.
The conversion process works in three steps:
- Hex to sRGB: Parse the hex code into red, green, and blue channels (0-255)
- sRGB to CIELAB: Convert through linearized RGB and XYZ color space using the D65 illuminant reference white
- Delta-E calculation: Compute the Euclidean distance between your color and each Pantone color in LAB space
A Delta-E value under 1.0 is imperceptible to most people, 1-2 is perceptible through close observation, and values above 10 indicate clearly different colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the hex to Pantone conversion?
This tool uses the Delta-E (CIE76) color difference formula in CIELAB color space, which closely models human color perception. Since Pantone colors are physical ink formulations and hex codes are digital RGB values, a perfect 1:1 match is rare. The tool finds the closest available Pantone color and shows the accuracy percentage.
What is Delta-E and how does it work?
Delta-E (dE) measures the perceptual difference between two colors in the CIELAB color space. A Delta-E of 0 means identical colors. Values under 1 are imperceptible to most people, 1-2 require close inspection to notice, and values above 10 are clearly different colors.
Can I get an exact Pantone match from a hex code?
In most cases, no. Pantone colors are proprietary ink formulations intended for print production, while hex codes represent screen colors. The gamuts differ significantly. This tool finds the nearest Pantone approximation, but for production-critical color matching, always consult a physical Pantone swatch book.
What Pantone colors are included in this tool?
This tool includes approximately 100 of the most commonly used Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors, covering the core coated (C) series including primary colors, popular fashion and design colors, grays, and extended gamut colors.