Tools & Quizzes

Color Calculator

Free online color calculator

The free online Color Calculator is an interactive color wheel that helps designers select HTML, RGB, or CMYK colors, and identifies color harmonies and schemes.

Created by Pieter J. Fourie; requires Flash

You can save your HTML safe color values, CMYK color schemes, or RGB colors to an integrated clipboard, and email the colors to colleagues or clients. You can also rotate shapes on the color wheel to identify harmonious color schemes, adjust the saturation and lightness of colors, or select a color plan for a corporate identity or design project. Further refine your color schemes by previewing the colors in patterns with different levels of complexity.

Using a color wheel chart, such as the Sessions Color Calculator, can help you to make sense of the myriad ways you can combine colors while creating pleasing harmonies. Start with a base color that says something about the mood or attitude you would like to convey in your design, then determine the number of colors you select that are harmonious with that base. For example, a complementary harmony has only two colors, while square and rectangle harmonies have four. Then adjust saturation and lightness to get just the right intensity and richness for the job. The Color Calculator provides a preview of your colors and allows you to chart the RGB values, CMYK values, and HTML values for easy translation to Photoshop or your favorite design tool. THen you're all set to apply your color scheme to a print design or Web design project.

For a thorough examination of color, its systems, interactions and how to advantageously use this knowledge in art and design, check out the Color Theory course, a core part of Sessions College certificate programs and degree programs.

Our color wheel Color Calculator saves hours of work for any creative arts professional.

Use the free Color Calculator to develop effective color schemes for your design projects.