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CMYK → PMS converter

CMYK to Pantone Converter

Convert four-color process (CMYK) values into the closest Pantone spot color. Enter your C, M, Y and K percentages and get the five nearest PMS matches with HEX, RGB and CMYK values for each.

CMYK → PANTONE3,172 reference Pantone colors ΔE00

Closest Pantone matches for #1E88E5

SwatchPantoneHEXmatch / ΔECopy
 PANTONE 279 C Closest match #418FDE 87% · ΔE 2.59
PANTONE 2727 C #307FE2 80% · ΔE 3.91
PANTONE Medium Blue C #0084CA 77% · ΔE 4.63
PANTONE Process Blue C #0085CA 76% · ΔE 4.71
PANTONE 660 C #407EC9 76% · ΔE 4.81

Matches use the CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) formula on sRGB values. Always confirm critical print jobs against a physical Pantone guide.

Step by step

How to Convert CMYK to Pantone

  1. 01

    Enter CMYK percentages

    Type the cyan, magenta, yellow and black values (0–100) from Illustrator, InDesign or your print specification.

  2. 02

    Pick the paper finish

    Choose Coated (C) for glossy stock or Uncoated (U) for matte and absorbent paper to compare against the right Pantone guide.

  3. 03

    Copy the closest PMS code

    Use the match with the lowest ΔE. Send the Pantone code to your printer so they can mix the exact spot ink.

Quick reference

Common colors and their closest Pantone coated match, calculated by our converter.

ColorHEXClosest PantoneΔE00
White#FFFFFFPANTONE 9345 C5.02
Black#000000PANTONE Black 6 C7.57
Red#E53935PANTONE 179 C1.50
Navy blue#1A237EPANTONE 2756 C2.81
Sky blue#29B6F6PANTONE 298 C3.37
Green#43A047PANTONE 7738 C1.83
Yellow#FFEB3BPANTONE 106 C1.80
Orange#FB8C00PANTONE 1495 C1.63
Purple#8E24AAPANTONE 527 C2.79
Pink#EC407APANTONE 1915 C1.95
Gold#D4AF37PANTONE 7752 C2.61
Gray#9E9E9EPANTONE Cool Gray 7 C2.14
Related

HEX to Pantone Converter

Find the closest matching Pantone (PMS) spot color for any HTML or CSS hex code.

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RGB to Pantone Converter

Turn screen RGB colors into printable Pantone spot colors.

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Pantone to CMYK Converter

Get a CMYK breakdown for any Pantone color when you need to print it in four-color process instead of a spot ink.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert CMYK to Pantone?
Spot Pantone inks print more consistently than four-color process builds, give cleaner solid colors and are often required for brand colors, packaging and one- or two-color print jobs.
Is CMYK to PMS conversion exact?
Not always. CMYK and Pantone are different color systems, so the converter finds the closest PMS color and shows its ΔE. Many vivid Pantone colors are actually outside the CMYK gamut.
Which CMYK profile does the converter use?
We use a device-independent CMYK to RGB formula, which is what most online tools use for quick estimates. For press-accurate results, convert with your printer’s ICC profile and confirm with a printed guide.
Can I convert Pantone back to CMYK?
Yes. Use our Pantone to CMYK converter to get a CMYK breakdown for any Pantone coated or uncoated color.