RGB to LAB Converter

About this calculator

CIELAB (L*a*b*) is a color space designed to be perceptually uniform — equal numeric distances in L*a*b* correspond much more closely to equal perceived color differences than equal distances in RGB do, which is why it's the standard space for measuring how different two colors actually look to the human eye. Converting sRGB to LAB requires first linearizing and transforming the RGB values into the CIE XYZ color space, then applying the nonlinear XYZ-to-LAB transformation referenced against a chosen white point — here, the common D65 standard illuminant that approximates average daylight.

This calculator runs an sRGB hex color through that full pipeline to produce its L*, a*, and b* coordinates. It's used in color science, print production, and quality control, where LAB values feed into calculating a precise color-difference metric (Delta E) between a target color and a printed or manufactured sample — something RGB or hex values alone can't reliably measure.