How to Convert Pantone to Hexadecimal

Translate and convert into web obtimized hexadecimal colors

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a set of standard color values used primarily in printing and the manufacturing of colored fabric, paint and plastics. Pantone values are a standard when dealing with color precision. Hexadecimal (hex) is the number value assigned to colors on the web. The alphanumeric hex value is used in HTML to translate into colors on the screen.

Instructions

1. Obtain the RGB (red, green and blue) color values of the color you wish to convert from Pantone. Pantone guides and chip sets are available from Pantone. Sea green has RGB values of R=51, G=219 and B=153. We’ll use this example to illustrate how to convert Pantone to Hexadecimal.

2. Calculate the value of Red. Divide the value of Red (51) by 16. Round the resulting value of 3.1875 to the nearest integer--3 becomes the first number of the hexadecimal formula. Multiply the remainder (0.1875) by 16, which equals 3--the second number of the hexadecimal number. Red (51) therefore translates to 33 in hex.

   Use this formula for each RGB value. For integers and remainders of 10 to 15, translate the two-digit number into a letter: 10=A, 11=B, 12=C, 13=D, 14=E and 15=F.

3. Calculate the value of Green. The Green value of 219 translates to DB: 219 divided by 16 equals 13.69 which translates to D. Multiplying 0.69 by 16 equals 11 which translates to B.

4. Calculate the value of Blue. The Blue value of 153 translates to 99: 153 divided by 16 equals 9. And 0.5625 multiplied by 16 equals 9.

5. String the three values of RGB together to get the hexadecimal value. For the example of sea green, the hexadecimal value is 33DB99

References

• My Digital Life: Translate and Convert RGB Color Values into Hexadecimal Hex Equivalent

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Pantone