Colour Mixing Calculator

- May 12, 2025
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Mix colours together to see the resulting colour. Choose from RGB, CMYK, or pigment mixing models to simulate different colour mixing scenarios for digital design or physical art projects.

Mixing Method

50% 50%

Colour Inputs

Colour 1
Red
#FF0000
50:50
Colour 2
Blue
#0000FF

Advanced Options

Mixed Colour Result

Purple
#800080
RGB: 128, 0, 128
HSL: 300°, 100%, 25%
Mixing Formula:
Red (50%) + Blue (50%) = Purple

How This Colour is Mixed

RGB Additive Mixing:

  • Red (#FF0000): RGB(255, 0, 0) × 50% = RGB(127.5, 0, 0)
  • Blue (#0000FF): RGB(0, 0, 255) × 50% = RGB(0, 0, 127.5)
  • Mixed Result: RGB(127.5, 0, 127.5) ≈ RGB(128, 0, 128) = #800080 (Purple)

About Colour Mixing

Colour mixing is the process of combining colours to create new colours. Different colour mixing methods are used depending on whether you're working with light, paint, or print media.

RGB (Additive) Mixing

Used for mixing coloured light, such as on screens and digital displays. The primary colours are Red, Green, and Blue.

  • Red + Green = Yellow
  • Red + Blue = Magenta
  • Green + Blue = Cyan
  • Red + Green + Blue = White
CMYK (Subtractive) Mixing

Used in printing and industrial colour production. The primary colours are Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black).

  • Cyan + Magenta = Blue
  • Cyan + Yellow = Green
  • Magenta + Yellow = Red
  • Cyan + Magenta + Yellow = Black (theoretically, but in practice appears brownish)
RYB (Traditional) Mixing

Traditional colour mixing system used by artists for pigments, paints, and dyes. The primary colours are Red, Yellow, and Blue.

  • Red + Yellow = Orange
  • Yellow + Blue = Green
  • Blue + Red = Purple
  • Red + Yellow + Blue = Brown or dark muddy colours
Practical Applications
  • Digital Design: Using RGB mixing for web and app design
  • Print Design: Using CMYK mixing for print media
  • Fine Art: Using RYB mixing for painting and traditional media
  • Colour Theory: Understanding how colours interact and complement each other
  • Colour Matching: Creating specific colours for branding and design systems

Understanding the Color Mixing Calculator

The Colour Mixing Calculator is a handy tool for anyone who loves art or design. It helps you mix colours together to see what new colours you can create. This tool is perfect for both digital work and physical art projects. You can choose different methods for mixing colours, such as RGB, CMYK, or RYB. Each method gives you a unique outcome, suited for various media and applications.

How to Choose a Mixing Method

Selecting the right mixing method is important to get accurate results. Here’s a quick breakdown of the methods you can choose from:

  • RGB (Additive): Best for screens and light. Mixes colours by adding light together.
  • CMYK (Subtractive): Used in printing. It combines ink colours to create new shades.
  • RYB (Traditional): Common in painting and arts. It combines pigments to make different colours.

Inputting Your Colours

The calculator offers several ways to input your colours. You can pick a colour using a colour picker, type in a hex code, or enter RGB and HSL values. This flexibility allows you to work with colours in the way that suits you best. Each method provides a visual preview of your selected colours, helping you understand how they will look when mixed.

Mixing Ratios and Their Impact

Mixing ratios determine how much of each colour you want to use. The Colour Mixing Calculator lets you adjust these ratios easily. You can balance two colours equally at 50% each or change one to be more dominant. This feature is great for experimenting and finding the perfect shade you want for your project.

Advanced Mixing Options Available

If you're feeling creative, the calculator also supports multi-colour mixing. You can mix up to four colours at once! This is excellent for complex designs or unique artwork. Plus, there’s an option to display colour codes, making it easier to record your favourite mixes for future use.

Visualising Your Mixed Colour

Once you've selected your colours and ratios, the calculator shows you the mixed result clearly. You'll see a colour preview along with details like the colour name and its hex and RGB values. This way, you can easily use the result in your designs or artwork without any hassle.

Understanding the Theory Behind Colour Mixing

Colour mixing is more than just a fun activity; it’s rooted in colour theory. Here’s a quick overview:

  • RGB Mixing: Combines red, green, and blue light. For example, mixing red and blue creates magenta.
  • CMYK Mixing: Uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in printing. Cyan and yellow mix to make green.
  • RYB Mixing: Uses red, yellow, and blue pigments. Red and yellow mixed together create orange.

Practical Uses in Art and Design

Whether you're a digital designer, a painter, or just someone exploring colour, the Colour Mixing Calculator has practical applications for you. It helps you create specific colours for branding, design systems, or personal artwork. Understanding how colours interact can greatly enhance your creative projects, making it a valuable tool in your artistic toolkit.