Why is this only approximate?

True blackbody radiation color is a continuous spectrum; this widely-used approximation algorithm fits that spectrum closely enough for practical lighting and photography use, but isn't a perfect physical simulation.

Color Temperature (Kelvin) to RGB Calculator

Convert a color temperature in Kelvin (as used for light sources and white balance) into an approximate RGB color value.

Inputs

Results

Approximate RGB: rgb(255, 177, 110)
Approximate Hex: #FFB16E

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Formula

Tanner Helland approximation algorithm for blackbody color temperature

Learn How This Works

Color Temperature and Mood: From Kelvin to Pastel Palettes

How color temperature in Kelvin, mireds, perceived brightness, and pastel generation all shape the mood a color communicates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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