Hex to HSV converter
Paste a hex code and read hue, saturation and value instantly. HueKit also shows RGB and CMYK so you have every format at once.
How hex becomes HSV
A hex code packs three RGB channels into a string, so HueKit first unpacks it back into red, green and blue from 0 to 255. Value comes straight from whichever channel is brightest. Saturation compares that peak to the darkest channel: the further apart they are, the purer the color. Hue is set by which channel leads and how far the other two trail behind it, the same angle used everywhere else on the color wheel.
Hex and HSV describe the same color from two different angles, so nothing is lost beyond ordinary whole number rounding.
Why HSV suits color pickers
Most on-screen color pickers show a square of saturation and value with a hue slider beside it, which is HSV drawn directly. Convert a hex color to HSV and you can hold the hue steady while dragging for a brighter or purer version, something that is awkward to do by editing hex digits directly.
- Hold hue and saturation, lower value, for a darker version of the same color.
- Drop saturation toward zero for a soft, washed out tone.
- Sweep the hue to audition a family of colors at one value and saturation.
For the raw RGB channels instead, use hex to RGB. Starting from RGB values already, the RGB to HSV converter skips the hex step.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert hex to HSV?
Hex unpacks into RGB channels first. HueKit then reads value from the brightest channel, saturation from how far the darkest channel falls behind it, and hue from which channel leads and by how much.
How is HSV different from HSL for the same hex color?
Both share the same hue, but their third number works differently. HSV's value equals the brightest RGB channel outright, while HSL's lightness is the average of the brightest and darkest channel. The same hex code can report a high HSV value but a middling HSL lightness.
Why convert a hex code to HSV instead of RGB?
HSV separates a color's hue and purity from its brightness, which is the format most color pickers use under the hood. Converting a brand hex to HSV lets you sweep just the hue or dial back saturation without disturbing how bright the color reads.