🌡️ Color Temperature Converter

📖 How to Use

The Color Temperature Converter helps photographers, designers, and lighting engineers convert between color temperature (Kelvin) and RGB color values. Here's how:

Method 1: Kelvin → RGB

Enter a color temperature value in Kelvin (range 1000-40000K) in the input field, or use the slider. Click "Convert → RGB" to get the corresponding RGB and HEX values. The preview area shows the color in real-time.

Method 2: RGB → Kelvin

Enter R, G, B values (0-255) in the RGB input section. Click "Estimate → Kelvin" to get the closest color temperature. Note: not all RGB colors correspond exactly to a blackbody radiation curve; the estimate is the nearest approximation.

Quick Presets

Use the preset buttons for Daylight (5500K), Warm (2700K), and Cold (10000K) to quickly fill in common values.

🎯 Use Cases

• Photo Editing: Understand RGB values for different color temperatures when adjusting white balance.
• Lighting Design: Preview color temperature effects for stage and interior lighting design.
• Monitor Calibration: Reference RGB values when calibrating monitor color temperature.
• Web Design: Get HEX color values corresponding to specific color temperatures for warm or cool website themes.
• Video Post-Production: Quick reference for color temperature to RGB conversion during color grading.

💡 Did You Know?

Color temperature describes the color characteristics of a light source, measured in Kelvin (K). It's based on blackbody radiation theory: an ideal blackbody emits different colors of light at different temperatures. At low temperatures, light is reddish-orange (candlelight ~1850K); at high temperatures, it's bluish-white (overcast sky ~6500K).

Common color temperature references: candlelight ~1850K, incandescent bulb ~2700-3000K, sunrise/sunset ~3200K, fluorescent light ~5000K, noon daylight ~5500K, overcast sky ~6500K, clear blue sky ~10000-20000K.

This tool uses the Tanner Helland algorithm for Kelvin→RGB conversion, providing good approximation accuracy within the 1000K-40000K range. RGB→Kelvin estimation uses reverse lookup with interpolation.

❓ FAQ

What is the difference between color temperature and correlated color temperature?

Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) is the temperature of the closest blackbody radiator. It's an approximation for real light sources. This tool uses CCT, which applies to most LED, fluorescent, and other white light sources.

Why isn't the RGB to Kelvin estimate very accurate?

RGB color space is three-dimensional, while color temperature is one-dimensional. Only RGB colors near the blackbody radiation curve have a corresponding color temperature. Pure green, pure purple, and other colors off the curve won't have meaningful estimates.

What color temperature range is supported?

This tool supports 1000K to 40000K, covering most natural and artificial light sources from candlelight to blue sky.

Is my data sent to a server?

No. All calculations happen in your browser using JavaScript. You can use this tool offline after the page loads.