Color Temperature Calculator
Convert between color temperature (Kelvin) and RGB/HEX values. Essential for photographers, designers, and lighting professionals working with white balance and color grading.
Range: 1000K (very warm) to 15000K (very cool)
Format: #RRGGBB (e.g., #FF9900)
Color Information
Temperature: 6500K
Description: Overcast Sky
Hex: #FFFFFF
RGB: 255, 255, 255
Understanding Color Temperature
Color temperature is a way to describe the appearance of light, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The concept comes from heating a theoretical "black body radiator" - as it gets hotter, it glows in predictable colors, from red to orange to blue.
Common Color Temperatures
- 1,000-2,000K: Candlelight, very warm orange
- 2,700-3,000K: Incandescent bulbs, warm white
- 3,500-4,100K: Halogen lights
- 5,000-5,500K: Direct sunlight
- 6,000-6,500K: Daylight, overcast
- 7,000-7,500K: Slightly overcast sky
- 8,000-10,000K: Shade, heavily overcast
- 15,000K+: Clear blue sky
Applications
- Photography: White balance adjustment
- Video Production: Color grading and matching
- Lighting Design: Architectural and stage lighting
- Digital Design: UI/UX color schemes
- Print Design: Color matching across mediums
- Product Design: LED and display calibration
Color Temperature in Photography
In photography and videography, understanding color temperature is crucial for achieving accurate white balance and creating the desired mood in your images.
White Balance Settings
Camera Presets
- Tungsten: ~3200K
- Fluorescent: ~4000K
- Flash: ~5500K
- Daylight: ~5600K
- Cloudy: ~6500K
- Shade: ~7500K
Creative Effects
- Warm (Low K): Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Cool (High K): Clean, professional look
- Mixed: Create depth and visual interest
- Time of Day: Match natural lighting
Digital Color Temperature
When working with digital displays and design, color temperature affects how colors are perceived and reproduced across different devices and mediums.
Display Calibration
Standard Color Temperatures
- 5000K (D50): Print and publishing industry standard
- 6500K (D65): Web and video industry standard
- 7500K (D75): North sky daylight reference
Practical Applications
1. Interior Design
Choose lighting temperatures based on room function:
- Living Areas: 2700-3000K for a warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Kitchen: 3500-4000K for task lighting
- Office: 4000-5000K for productivity
- Bathroom: 3000-4000K for accurate color rendering
2. Product Photography
Match product colors accurately across different platforms:
- E-commerce: 5500K for accurate product colors
- Food Photography: 3000-4000K for appetizing warmth
- Fashion: 5000-6500K for true color representation
3. Video Production
Create consistent lighting across scenes:
- Indoor Scenes: Match practical lighting temperatures
- Outdoor Scenes: Account for time of day
- Mixed Lighting: Balance multiple sources
Related Tools and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between color temperature and tint?
Color temperature refers to the warm-to-cool spectrum (yellow to blue), while tint refers to the green-to-magenta axis. Both are important for accurate color correction, but they measure different aspects of color balance.
Why do my photos look different under different lighting?
Different light sources have different color temperatures, which affects how colors appear in photos. Our eyes naturally adjust to these differences, but cameras need to be told the correct white balance to reproduce colors accurately.
How do I choose the right color temperature for my project?
Consider these factors: - Purpose of the space or image - Time of day you're trying to simulate - Emotional response you want to evoke - Industry standards for your medium - Technical requirements of your equipment
Can I mix different color temperatures?
Yes, mixing color temperatures can create interesting effects and depth in both photography and lighting design. However, its important to do so intentionally and understand how different temperatures interact to avoid unwanted color casts.