How to convert RGB to HSL
The converter first normalizes the RGB value to RGB (the model screens use), then calculates the HSL representation using the standard formulas. CMYK values are device-independent approximations.
Common colours in RGB and HSL
| Colour | RGB | HSL |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh flag green | rgb(0, 106, 78) | hsl(164, 100%, 21%) |
| Bangladesh flag red | rgb(244, 42, 65) | hsl(353, 90%, 56%) |
| Red | rgb(255, 0, 0) | hsl(0, 100%, 50%) |
| Green | rgb(0, 255, 0) | hsl(120, 100%, 50%) |
| Blue | rgb(0, 0, 255) | hsl(240, 100%, 50%) |
| White | rgb(255, 255, 255) | hsl(0, 0%, 100%) |
| Black | rgb(0, 0, 0) | hsl(0, 0%, 0%) |
| Yellow | rgb(255, 255, 0) | hsl(60, 100%, 50%) |
| Orange | rgb(255, 165, 0) | hsl(39, 100%, 50%) |
| Purple | rgb(128, 0, 128) | hsl(300, 100%, 25%) |
| Gray | rgb(128, 128, 128) | hsl(0, 0%, 50%) |
| Navy | rgb(0, 0, 128) | hsl(240, 100%, 25%) |
| Teal | rgb(0, 128, 128) | hsl(180, 100%, 25%) |
| Pink | rgb(255, 192, 203) | hsl(350, 100%, 88%) |
About RGB and HSL
RGB
RGB describes a colour by its red, green and blue light values from 0 to 255. Screens create every colour by mixing RGB light.
HSL
HSL describes colour by hue (0–360°), saturation and lightness (%). Designers like it because it is easy to create lighter or darker shades.
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 HSL of the Bangladesh flag green?
The official green #006A4E is hsl(164, 100%, 21%) in HSL.
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.