RGB to HSV Color Converter

Color Picker

rgb(255, 0, 0)

Color Shades

Color Combinations

About RGB and HSV Colors

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) are two important color models used in digital design, computer graphics, and image processing.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

RGB is an additive color model where colors are created by combining red, green, and blue light. Each component has a value from 0 to 255, representing the intensity of that color. For example, pure red is (255, 0, 0) in RGB. This model is fundamental to digital displays as it matches how screens produce color by mixing red, green, and blue light at different intensities. RGB is widely used in web design, digital photography, and computer graphics.

HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value)

HSV is a cylindrical color model that represents colors in a way that's more aligned with human perception. Hue represents the color type (0-360° on the color wheel), Saturation is the intensity or purity of the color (0-100%), and Value is the brightness (0-100%). For example, pure red is (0°, 100%, 100%) in HSV. This model is particularly useful in design applications, color pickers, and image editing software because it allows for more intuitive color adjustments.

RGB to HSV Conversion Process

  1. Normalize RGB values: Divide each component by 255 to get values in range 0-1
  2. Find the maximum (max) and minimum (min) values among R, G, B
  3. Calculate Value (V): V = max
  4. Calculate Saturation (S):
    • If max = 0: S = 0 (achromatic)
    • Else: S = (max - min) / max
  5. Calculate Hue (H):
    • If max = min: H = 0 (undefined)
    • Else:
      • If max = R: H = 60 × ((G - B) / (max - min))
      • If max = G: H = 60 × (2 + (B - R) / (max - min))
      • If max = B: H = 60 × (4 + (R - G) / (max - min))
    • If H < 0: H = H + 360
  6. Convert S and V to percentages (0-100%)
  7. Round all values to nearest integers

Example #1

Convert pure red RGB (255, 0, 0) to HSV:

R = 255/255 = 1, G = 0/255 = 0, B = 0/255 = 0

max = 1, min = 0

V = 1 (100%)

S = (1 - 0)/1 = 1 (100%)

H = 60 × ((0 - 0)/(1 - 0)) = 0° (since max = R)

HSV = (0°, 100%, 100%)

Example #2

Convert dark blue RGB (0, 0, 128) to HSV:

R = 0/255 = 0, G = 0/255 = 0, B = 128/255 ≈ 0.502

max ≈ 0.502, min = 0

V ≈ 0.502 (50%)

S ≈ (0.502 - 0)/0.502 ≈ 1 (100%)

H = 60 × (4 + (0 - 0)/(0.502 - 0)) = 240° (since max = B)

HSV ≈ (240°, 100%, 50%)

Common RGB to HSV Examples

  • rgb(255, 255, 255) → hsv(0, 0%, 100%) (white)
  • rgb(0, 0, 0) → hsv(0, 0%, 0%) (black)
  • rgb(255, 0, 0) → hsv(0, 100%, 100%) (red)
  • rgb(0, 255, 0) → hsv(120, 100%, 100%) (green)
  • rgb(0, 0, 255) → hsv(240, 100%, 100%) (blue)
  • rgb(255, 255, 0) → hsv(60, 100%, 100%) (yellow)
  • rgb(0, 255, 255) → hsv(180, 100%, 100%) (cyan)
  • rgb(255, 0, 255) → hsv(300, 100%, 100%) (magenta)
  • rgb(128, 128, 128) → hsv(0, 0%, 50%) (gray)

HSV is particularly useful for color selection interfaces and image editing because it separates the color information (hue) from its intensity (saturation) and brightness (value). This makes it easier to create color variations and harmonious color schemes. The RGB to HSV conversion is essential for applications where you need to manipulate colors in a more intuitive way than the raw RGB values allow.

RGB to HSV FAQ

Why convert RGB to HSV?

While RGB is how displays show colors, HSV provides a more intuitive way to work with colors. Converting to HSV makes it easier to create color variations (like making a color more saturated or darker) and to create harmonious color schemes. HSV is particularly useful in design tools, image editing software, and color selection interfaces.

Are all RGB colors perfectly convertible to HSV?

Yes, all RGB colors within the standard gamut can be perfectly converted to HSV. The conversion is mathematically precise and reversible without loss of color information. However, some RGB combinations might produce the same HSV values (like all grayscale colors will have S=0%).

When should I use RGB instead of HSV?

Use RGB when you need precise control over the color values for display or when working with graphics APIs that expect RGB values. RGB is also better when working with existing color systems, digital images, or when exact color matching is required.

Is HSV the same as HSL?

No, while both are cylindrical color models, HSV (Value) and HSL (Lightness) represent brightness differently. In HSV, Value represents the brightest component, while in HSL, Lightness represents the midpoint between the darkest and lightest components. This makes HSV better for some color operations and HSL better for others.

Which color model is better for image processing?

HSV is often preferred for image processing tasks like color detection, thresholding, and segmentation because it separates the color information (hue) from intensity (value) and purity (saturation). This makes it easier to isolate specific colors regardless of lighting conditions.