HEX to Pantone Converter

Paste any HEX color code and find the closest Pantone PMS match instantly.

HEX Value
Resolved
#C8102Ergb(200, 16, 46)
Your Color
#C8102E
Pantone Collection

Top 5 Pantone Matches

Coated (C)

What is HEX to Pantone Conversion?

A HEX color code is a six-digit hexadecimal value used in digital design, web development, and screen-based media to represent a specific RGB color. While HEX codes are universal for screens, they don't translate directly to the physical world of ink and print — which is where Pantone comes in.

Converting a HEX code to its closest Pantone PMS equivalent bridges the gap between digital and print design. When a brand's primary color is defined in HEX for web use, a designer preparing printed packaging or merchandise needs the equivalent PMS color to ensure color consistency. This tool uses a perceptually-weighted RGB distance algorithm to find the closest Pantone match from over 2,600 coated and uncoated swatches — instantly, in your browser, with no uploads required.

This tool also supports the reverse workflow — use the Pantone to HEX converter to find the digital HEX, RGB, and CMYK values for any PMS color name.

Explore our color family guides for quick reference — browse Pantone Red, Pantone Blue, Pantone Green, Pantone Orange, and more.

How to Convert HEX to Pantone — Step by Step

Paste any 6-digit HEX value — with or without the # symbol — into the input field above. The tool instantly returns the top 5 closest Pantone PMS matches from over 2,600 coated and uncoated swatches, ranked by perceptual color distance. Each result shows the Pantone name, HEX equivalent, RGB values, and CMYK breakdown — all copyable in one click.

  1. Enter your HEX code (e.g., #C8102E) or paste it directly — the # symbol is optional.
  2. The tool automatically displays the top 5 closest Pantone matches, ranked from nearest to furthest perceptual distance.
  3. Toggle between Coated (C) and Uncoated (U) variants to find the right finish for your print substrate.
  4. Click Copy next to any value — Pantone name, HEX, RGB, or CMYK — to use it immediately in your design files.

When Do You Need to Convert HEX to Pantone?

Any workflow that crosses the boundary between screen and print requires a HEX to PMS conversion. Common use cases include:

  • Brand color standardization — Your website's HEX brand colors need a Pantone equivalent for business cards, signage, apparel, and packaging. This tool gives you the closest PMS match instantly.
  • Print and packaging production — Commercial printers, packaging suppliers, and offset print shops work with Pantone Matching System (PMS) codes — not HEX values. Convert your hex color to PMS before submitting print-ready files.
  • Logo and identity reproduction — Ensure your logo color stays visually consistent whether it appears on a website, a brochure, or an embroidered shirt by finding the exact PMS code for your HEX value.
  • Embroidery, merchandise, and screen printing — Suppliers for custom merchandise, screen-printed apparel, and embroidery require Pantone codes. Use this hex colour to Pantone converter before placing any physical production order.

Coated vs Uncoated Pantone — Which Should You Use?

Pantone colors come in two main variants. Coated (C) colors are formulated for glossy or coated paper stock — they appear more vibrant and saturated. Uncoated (U) colors are for matte, uncoated, or textured surfaces — the same ink absorbs differently and appears softer. This converter shows both side by side for every match, so you can compare before going to print. When in doubt, always verify your final choice against a physical Pantone swatch book under consistent lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — completely free, no login or account required. All color matching runs client-side in your browser. No HEX codes or results are sent to any server.
The tool uses a perceptually-weighted RGB distance algorithm across 2,600+ Pantone swatches to find the closest visual match. Because HEX is a screen color space (RGB) and Pantone is a physical ink system, a perfect match doesn't always exist — the result is the best achievable approximation. Always verify with a physical Pantone swatch book before final print production.
HEX (hexadecimal) is a digital format representing RGB values used on screens and in web design. PMS (Pantone Matching System) is a standardized physical ink color system used in commercial printing. A hexadecimal to PMS conversion gives you the closest printable Pantone ink color for any screen color.
Coated (C) Pantone colors are for glossy or coated paper. Uncoated (U) colors are for matte or uncoated surfaces. The same Pantone number looks visually different on each finish. This tool shows both variants side by side — always confirm with a physical swatch before production.
The tool converts one HEX code at a time. Save individual results using the heart icon on each match and access all saved colors from the Saved Colors page.
Yes — the converter works identically for "hex color to Pantone" and "hex colour to Pantone." It accepts all standard HEX input formats regardless of regional spelling.
Yes — use the Pantone to HEX converter at pantoneconverter.com/pantone-to-hex/ for the reverse lookup.
Paste your HEX value into the input field above. The tool automatically searches through 2,600+ Pantone swatches and returns the 5 closest PMS matches ranked by perceptual color distance — no manual lookup required.