HEX ⇄ Pantone converter

Please enter a valid HEX code.

#0085ca

Process Blue U

How the HEX to Pantone Converter Works

Enter a HEX code to find its closest Pantone (PMS) match, or enter a Pantone code to retrieve its HEX equivalent. Clariss searches a curated database of over 700 named colors to find the nearest match using color distance calculations in the HSL color space, giving you a more perceptually accurate result than a simple numeric comparison. This is useful when handing off digital designs to print production, specifying brand colors across different media, or verifying that a screen color has a reliable physical equivalent. Keep in mind that HEX to Pantone conversion is always an approximation, since screens use RGB light mixing while Pantone uses physical ink formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, and no digital converter can be fully exact. HEX codes represent colors as emitted light on a screen (RGB), while Pantone colors are physical ink formulations printed on paper. The two systems have different color gamuts, meaning some screen colors simply do not have a perfect Pantone equivalent. This tool finds the closest match in our database, which is sufficient for most practical design purposes, but always verify with a physical Pantone swatch book before final print production.

Screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) light to produce color, while printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) ink. These are fundamentally different systems. Bright, saturated colors on screen, particularly electric blues, vivid greens, and neon tones, often fall outside the printable CMYK gamut. The result is a noticeably duller version when printed. Using a Pantone reference instead of relying on CMYK conversion is the most reliable way to control print color.

Pantone C refers to coated paper stock, which is glossy and produces richer, more saturated colors. Pantone U refers to uncoated paper, which is matte and tends to absorb more ink, resulting in slightly duller, softer tones. The same Pantone number on coated and uncoated stock will look noticeably different in person. Always specify which stock your project uses when communicating Pantone references to a printer.

Use Pantone when color consistency is critical across different print runs, materials, or suppliers. This includes brand identity assets like logos, packaging, and merchandise where the exact same color must appear reliably every time. CMYK is sufficient for most general print work like brochures, flyers, and documents where slight color variation between runs is acceptable.

Yes. Enter a Pantone code into the right-hand input field and the tool will return the closest HEX equivalent from our color database. This is useful when you receive a Pantone specification from a client or printer and need to match it in your digital design files.