Color Temperature to RGB Converter (Kelvin)

Color Temperature to RGB Converter

Convert color temperature in Kelvin to RGB values, hex codes, and HSL using the Tanner Helland algorithm. Enter any value from 1000K (warm candlelight) to 40000K (deep blue sky) and instantly see the corresponding color with a live preview swatch. Reverse convert from RGB or hex back to an estimated Kelvin temperature.

How to Use

Enter a Kelvin temperature using the number input or drag the slider. Click preset buttons for common light sources like candlelight (1900K), warm white (2700K), daylight (5500K), or overcast sky (7500K). View the live color swatch and copy RGB, hex, or HSL values. Use the reverse converter to estimate the Kelvin temperature from any RGB or hex color. The temperature scale visualization shows your current value on a warm-to-cool gradient.

Features

• Kelvin to RGB — Precise conversion using the Tanner Helland piecewise polynomial approximation. Supports 1000K to 40000K range with live color preview swatch.
• Multiple Output Formats — RGB values (0-255), hex color code (#RRGGBB), CSS rgb() notation, and HSL values. Each with dedicated copy buttons.
• Preset Temperatures — Quick-access buttons for common light sources: candlelight, incandescent, warm white, neutral white, daylight, D65 standard, overcast sky, clear blue sky, deep blue sky, and shade.
• Reverse Converter — Enter RGB values or a hex code to estimate the nearest Kelvin temperature. Uses RGB-space distance matching for best approximation.
• Temperature Scale — Visual gradient bar showing the full 1000K-40000K spectrum with your current position marked and labeled zones for common light types.
• Use Case Reference — Photography white balance, LED lighting, monitor calibration, cinematography color grading, and interior lighting with a table of common light sources and Kelvin values.
• Algorithm Reference — Explanation of the Tanner Helland algorithm, black body radiation, CIE standard illuminants (D50, D65), and conversion limitations.

Color Temperature Basics

Color temperature describes the color appearance of light emitted by a black body radiator at a given temperature in Kelvin. Lower temperatures (1000K-3000K) produce warm, reddish-orange light like candles and incandescent bulbs. Mid-range temperatures (4000K-6500K) produce neutral to daylight-white light. Higher temperatures (7000K-40000K) produce cool, bluish light like overcast skies and shade. This scale is fundamental to photography, display calibration, and lighting design.