How to convert HSV to CMYK
The converter first normalizes the HSV value to RGB (the model screens use), then calculates the CMYK representation using the standard formulas. CMYK values are device-independent approximations.
Common colours in HSV and CMYK
| Colour | HSV | CMYK |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh flag green | hsv(164, 100%, 42%) | cmyk(100%, 0%, 26%, 58%) |
| Bangladesh flag red | hsv(353, 83%, 96%) | cmyk(0%, 83%, 73%, 4%) |
| Red | hsv(0, 100%, 100%) | cmyk(0%, 100%, 100%, 0%) |
| Green | hsv(120, 100%, 100%) | cmyk(100%, 0%, 100%, 0%) |
| Blue | hsv(240, 100%, 100%) | cmyk(100%, 100%, 0%, 0%) |
| White | hsv(0, 0%, 100%) | cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 0%) |
| Black | hsv(0, 0%, 0%) | cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%) |
| Yellow | hsv(60, 100%, 100%) | cmyk(0%, 0%, 100%, 0%) |
| Orange | hsv(39, 100%, 100%) | cmyk(0%, 35%, 100%, 0%) |
| Purple | hsv(300, 100%, 50%) | cmyk(0%, 100%, 0%, 50%) |
| Gray | hsv(0, 0%, 50%) | cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 50%) |
| Navy | hsv(240, 100%, 50%) | cmyk(100%, 100%, 0%, 50%) |
| Teal | hsv(180, 100%, 50%) | cmyk(100%, 0%, 0%, 50%) |
| Pink | hsv(350, 25%, 100%) | cmyk(0%, 25%, 20%, 0%) |
About HSV and CMYK
HSV
HSV (hue, saturation, value) is used by colour pickers in apps like Photoshop.
CMYK
CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key/black) is the colour model used for printing. Printers in Nilkhet and every press use CMYK inks.
Screen colours vs print colours
Screens mix light (additive colour: red + green + blue = white), while printers mix ink (subtractive colour: cyan + magenta + yellow + black). HEX, RGB, HSL and HSV all describe the same additive RGB space in different ways, so conversions between them are exact. CMYK lives in a different, smaller space — very bright screen colours such as pure neon green cannot be printed exactly, which is why printed brochures can look duller than the design on your monitor.
- Use HEX or RGB for websites, apps and social media graphics.
- Use HSL when you need lighter or darker variations of a brand colour.
- Use CMYK values when sending files to a printing press, and ask for a proof.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my printed colour look different?
Printers use CMYK inks which cannot reproduce every bright RGB screen colour. Paper type and printer calibration also change the result.
What is the CMYK of the Bangladesh flag green?
The official green #006A4E is cmyk(100%, 0%, 26%, 58%) in CMYK.
Is the conversion exact?
HEX, RGB, HSL and HSV conversions are mathematically exact (rounded). CMYK is an approximation because real printing depends on paper and ink profiles.