Color Converter
Convert colors between RGB, HEX, and HSL formats. Free color converter with preview and one-click copy for designers and developers.
HEX
#3B82F6
RGB
rgb(59, 130, 246)
HSL
hsl(217, 91%, 60%)
RGB Values
59
Red
130
Green
246
Blue
HSL Values
217deg
Hue
91%
Sat
60%
Light
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Last updated: January 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert HEX to RGB?
A HEX color like #FF5733 converts to RGB by splitting it into pairs: FF=255 (red), 57=87 (green), 33=51 (blue). Each pair is a hexadecimal number (0-FF) representing 0-255 in decimal. So #FF5733 = RGB(255, 87, 51). For shorthand HEX like #F53, expand each digit: #FF5533. This converter handles the math automatically—just enter any format and get instant results.
What is the difference between RGB and HSL?
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) defines colors by mixing light intensities (0-255 each). HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is more intuitive: Hue is the color wheel position (0-360°), Saturation is color intensity (0-100%), and Lightness is brightness (0-100%). HSL is easier for adjustments—to make a color lighter, just increase L. To desaturate, reduce S. RGB is what screens display, HSL is how humans think about color.
When should I use HEX vs RGB in CSS?
Use HEX (#FF5733) for static colors—it's compact and universally supported. Use RGB or RGBA when you need opacity: rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5) creates a 50% transparent color. HSL is great for programmatic color manipulation—adjusting lightness or saturation is straightforward. Modern CSS supports all three formats equally, so choose based on readability and whether you need the alpha channel.
How do I find a color's complementary color?
Complementary colors are opposite on the color wheel, creating maximum contrast. In HSL, simply add or subtract 180° from the hue. For example, if your color has H=30° (orange), the complement is H=210° (blue). Keep S and L the same. Red (#FF0000, H=0°) complements Cyan (H=180°). This converter shows HSL values, making it easy to calculate complements, triads (+120°), or split-complements (+150°/+210°).
Why do colors look different on different screens?
Screens vary in color gamut (range of displayable colors), calibration, and panel technology (IPS, OLED, TN). A color like #FF5733 is a precise digital value, but monitors interpret it differently based on their color profile and settings. For consistent color, use hardware-calibrated monitors, design in sRGB color space, and test on multiple devices. Print colors use CMYK, which has a smaller gamut than RGB—bright screen colors may look duller when printed.