Pantone® to CMYK: Approximate Starting Values
Type a Pantone® code to get approximate CMYK percentages, calculated from the code’s screen value with the plain RGB-to-CMYK formula. They are a starting point for a CMYK build, not a press-ready recipe: many spot colors cannot be matched in four-color print at all.
Pantone® 300 C Dark Blue
- CMYK
- ≈ 100%, 49%, 0%, 28%
- HEX
- ≈ #005EB8
- RGB
- ≈ 0, 94, 184
Pantone® to CMYK examples
| Pantone® | ≈ CMYK | ≈ HEX |
|---|---|---|
| 485 C | 0%, 81%, 87%, 15% | #DA291C |
| 354 C | 100%, 0%, 64%, 31% | #00B140 |
| 2945 C | 100%, 50%, 0%, 41% | #004C97 |
| 151 C | 0%, 49%, 100%, 0% | #FF8200 |
| Reflex Blue C | 100%, 85%, 0%, 46% | #001489 |
| Process Blue C | 100%, 34%, 0%, 21% | #0085CA |
| Cool Gray 7 C | 3%, 1%, 0%, 39% | #97999B |
| 7406 C | 0%, 19%, 100%, 5% | #F1C400 |
How these CMYK values are calculated
The code’s approximate sRGB value is converted with K = 1 − max(R, G, B) and C = (1 − R − K) / (1 − K), the same for M and Y. This ignores paper, ink and press profiles. Pantone® sells its own CMYK bridge values under licence; they are not used here.
When CMYK cannot match a Pantone® color
Spot inks such as bright oranges, vivid greens and fluorescent colors lie outside the CMYK gamut. Their CMYK build always looks duller. If the color matters for a brand, print it as a spot color or ask your printer for a proof from their profile.
Pantone® to CMYK: questions
- How do I convert a Pantone® color to CMYK?
- Type the code above, for example 300 C. From its approximate screen value #005EB8, Pantone® 300 C works out to about CMYK 100%, 49%, 0%, 28% with the plain formula. Use it as a starting point and ask your printer to proof it with their own color profile.
- Why does my printer use different CMYK values for a Pantone® color?
- Printers convert with an ICC profile for their press and paper, which this tool does not apply. Pantone® also publishes its own CMYK bridge values under licence. Expect the percentages to differ by several points; what matters is the printed proof, not the numbers.
- Can every Pantone® color be printed in CMYK?
- No. Many spot colors — bright oranges, vivid greens, deep blues and all fluorescents — fall outside the CMYK gamut. Their four-color build always looks duller than the spot ink. If an exact match matters, print the color as a Pantone® spot ink instead.
Pantone® is a registered trademark of Pantone LLC. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pantone. All Pantone® values here are on-screen approximations from open community data; check a physical Pantone® guide before print work.