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RGB to HSV Converter: Color Picker Values

Convert RGB values to HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value).

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Red, green, and blue channel bars converting to a diamond-shaped HSV colour model with hue, saturation, and value axes.RGBRGBVSHHSV
HSV models colour the way artists think — hue, purity, and brightness.
H221°
S84%
V92%
HSV221, 84%, 92%

About this conversion

HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value), also known as HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness), is the color model used by most image editing applications including Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Figma. Hue selects the base color (0–360 degrees), saturation controls how pure or washed-out it is (0–100%), and value represents the overall brightness (0–100%).

While HSV and HSL may sound similar, they differ in how they define brightness. In HSV, a value of 100% always gives you the brightest version of that hue, regardless of saturation. In HSL, a lightness of 100% always gives you white. This makes HSV more intuitive for artists and photographers who think in terms of "how bright is this color" rather than "how far is it from middle gray."

Use this converter when you are working with a color in RGB notation and need to match it to the HSV color picker in your image editor, or when building custom color-picker components for a web or desktop application. If your goal is accurate color in print rather than on screen, our printer calibration guide explains how to bridge the gap between what your editor shows and what your printer produces.

Side-by-side diagram comparing the HSV cone and HSL cylinder, highlighting where they differ in how they handle pure white and saturation.HSV Cone vs HSL CylinderSame hue wheel, different brightness modelsHSV (Cone)V = 100%Brightest colourV = 0% (Black)White requiresV=100%, S=0%HSL (Cylinder)L = 100% (White)L = 50% (Pure colour)L = 0% (Black)White is simplyL = 100%HSV is favoured by image editors; HSL by CSS and web design
HSV is favoured by image editors (Photoshop, Figma); HSL is the standard in CSS and web design.

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Color conversions are mathematical approximations. For critical color work, verify against physical swatch books and printed proofs. See our methodology and full disclaimer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HSV used for?

HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) is the color model behind most visual color pickers in design software like Photoshop, Figma, GIMP, and many game engines. It organizes color by hue (the base color), saturation (vibrancy), and value (brightness).

Is HSV the same as HSB?

Yes. HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) and HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) are the same model with different names. Adobe products use the term HSB, while most technical documentation uses HSV.

Is the RGB to HSV conversion lossless?

Yes. RGB and HSV describe the same sRGB color space. The conversion is reversible with no information loss; the same color can be expressed in either model.