Hex Number Converter

Convert numbers between hexadecimal, decimal, and binary formats instantly. Support for different bit sizes and automatic format validation. Perfect for developers and computer science students.

About Hex Colors

Hexadecimal color codes are everywhere in web development and design. That six-digit code with a hash symbol (#RRGGBB) is how colors are specified in CSS, HTML, and most design tools. Understanding hex colors helps you work with colors effectively, whether you're coding, designing, or just trying to match a color.

Hex colors are just a different way of writing RGB values. Instead of writing "red: 255, green: 128, blue: 64", you write "#FF8040". Hexadecimal (base-16) uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F, where each pair represents one color channel. FF is 255 in decimal, which is maximum intensity. 00 is 0, which is no color. This compact format makes specifying colors quick and easy.

The format is simple once you understand it. Each pair of hex digits represents one RGB component. The first pair is red, second is green, third is blue. So #FF0000 is pure red (maximum red, no green, no blue). #00FF00 is pure green. #0000FF is pure blue. #FFFFFF is white (all colors at maximum). #000000 is black (no color).

Web development constantly uses hex colors. CSS uses hex codes for colors. HTML uses them for style attributes. JavaScript uses them for canvas and graphics. Most web frameworks expect hex colors. Understanding hex makes you more effective as a developer. You can quickly specify exact colors, convert between formats, and work with color data.

Design tools often use hex colors. Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Sketch—they all support hex input. When you need to match a color from a design tool to your code, hex codes make it easy. Many design tools show hex codes directly, making it simple to copy exact colors into your code.

Color conversion between formats is important. RGB (red, green, blue values 0-255), HSL (hue, saturation, lightness), CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key for print)—all these formats have their uses. Hex is most common for web, RGB for programming, HSL for adjustments, CMYK for print. Converting between formats helps you use colors in different contexts.

Shorthand hex codes are a convenient shortcut. Three-digit codes like #F00 represent #FF0000 (pure red). Each digit is doubled. #0F0 becomes #00FF00 (green). #00F becomes #0000FF (blue). This is useful for simple colors and saves typing. But it only works for colors where each channel value is the same for both digits.

Alpha channel support adds transparency. RGBA hex codes use 8 digits: #RRGGBBAA. The last two digits control opacity. FF is fully opaque, 00 is fully transparent. This is useful for semi-transparent colors. CSS supports this format, making it easy to add transparency without separate opacity properties.

Accessibility matters for color choices. Contrast ratios are important for readability. WCAG guidelines specify minimum contrast ratios for text. Understanding hex colors helps you calculate contrast and choose accessible color combinations. Some tools check accessibility automatically, but understanding the underlying color system helps you make better choices.

Color schemes and palettes rely on hex codes. When creating color palettes, hex codes make it easy to share exact colors. Design systems use hex codes for brand colors. Themes use hex codes for consistent styling. Having hex codes makes colors reproducible and shareable across tools and platforms.

This converter handles all color formats—hex, RGB, HSL, CMYK—with real-time conversion. Pick colors visually, convert between formats, check accessibility, generate color schemes. Perfect for web development, design, accessibility work, or any situation where you need to work with colors effectively.

Features

  • Color format conversion
  • Visual color picker
  • Color scheme generation
  • Accessibility checker
  • Color name lookup
  • Gradient creator
  • Copy to clipboard

Supported Formats

Color Codes

  • Hexadecimal (#RRGGBB)
  • RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
  • HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness)
  • CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key)

Additional Features

  • Alpha channel support
  • Shorthand hex (#RGB)
  • Color names
  • CSS variables

Common Applications

Web Development

  • CSS styling
  • Theme creation
  • Design systems
  • Accessibility compliance
  • Brand guidelines

Design

  • Color palettes
  • Brand colors
  • UI/UX design
  • Print preparation
  • Digital art

Marketing

  • Brand consistency
  • Social media graphics
  • Marketing materials
  • Email templates
  • Presentation design

Technical Details

  • 16,777,216 possible colors
  • Case-insensitive input
  • Real-time conversion
  • W3C color standards
  • WCAG compliance checking

Related Tools

  • Color Picker
  • RGB Converter
  • HSL Calculator
  • CMYK Converter
  • Gradient Generator