Design Tools
Color Picker Calculator
Calculate color values in HEX, RGB, and HSL formats. Convert between color formats and get color codes.
Use Color Picker Calculator to get instant results without uploads or sign-ups. Everything runs securely in your browser for fast, reliable output.
Your results will appear here.
About this tool
Web designers and developers need colors in different formats. Our Color Picker Calculator converts between HEX, RGB, and HSL color formats instantly.
HEX for HTML/CSS, RGB for design software, HSL for adjusting hue/saturation. All formats represent the same colors, just different notation systems.
Usage examples
Primary Red
Pure red in all formats
HEX: #FF0000 = RGB: rgb(255, 0, 0) = HSL: hsl(0, 100%, 50%)
Ocean Blue
Blue-green color
HEX: #0077BE = RGB: rgb(0, 119, 190) = HSL: hsl(202, 100%, 37%)
How to use
- Enter a "HEX Color Code" (e.g., #FF5733).
- Or enter "RGB Values" (R, G, B).
- Click "Calculate" to convert between formats.
- Get HEX, RGB, HSL, and color preview.
Benefits
- Convert color formats
- HEX to RGB conversion
- RGB to HSL conversion
- Web-safe colors
- Design color codes
- Instant conversion
FAQs
What is HEX color code?
HEX color codes use hexadecimal (base-16) notation: #RRGGBB. Each pair represents Red, Green, Blue (00-FF). Examples: #FF0000 (red), #00FF00 (green), #0000FF (blue), #FFFFFF (white), #000000 (black). Shorthand: #RGB when pairs match (#F00 = #FF0000).
What is RGB color format?
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) uses decimal values 0-255 for each channel. rgb(255, 0, 0) is red. Values mix additively (all colors together = white). RGB is device/screen color model. Print uses CMYK instead.
What is HSL color format?
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness): Hue (0-360° color wheel), Saturation (0-100% color intensity), Lightness (0-100% brightness). More intuitive for adjusting colors. hsl(0, 100%, 50%) is pure red. Change hue to shift color, saturation for vibrancy, lightness for brightness.
How do I choose good color combinations?
Color harmony rules: Complementary (opposite on wheel, high contrast), Analogous (adjacent colors, harmonious), Triadic (3 evenly spaced colors), Split-complementary (base + 2 adjacent to complement). Use 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant, 30% secondary, 10% accent. Tools: Adobe Color, Coolors.
What are web-safe colors?
Web-safe colors (216 colors) display consistently across old browsers/systems. Now mostly obsolete with modern displays. Legacy: RGB values in multiples of 51 (00, 33, 66, 99, CC, FF). Modern web supports millions of colors - use any color needed.
How do I make colors accessible?
WCAG accessibility: 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text, 3:1 for large text, 3:1 for UI components. Use contrast checkers. Don't rely on color alone (add icons/text). Test for colorblindness (8% of men). Dark text on light background or vice versa.
What is the difference between RGB and HSL for design?
RGB (Red, Green, Blue): Intuitive for mixing colored lights, matches screen technology. HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness): Better for design adjustments - change hue to shift color wheel position, adjust saturation for vibrancy, modify lightness for tints/shades. HSL is preferred for creating color variations and palettes.
Can I use rgba() or hsla() for transparency?
Yes! Add alpha (opacity) channel: rgba(52, 152, 219, 0.5) for 50% transparent blue, or hsla(204, 70%, 53%, 0.5). Alpha ranges 0-1 (0 = fully transparent, 1 = fully opaque). Modern browsers also support hex with alpha: #3498dbcc. Useful for overlays, shadows, and layered designs.
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