NCS to CMYK Color Converter
Convert Natural Color System (NCS) color codes to Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) values for print production
Color Converter
Enter a valid NCS notation (e.g., S 1050-R90B)
CMYK Values:
Note: CMYK conversion is approximate as NCS and CMYK are different color spaces.
Quick Guide
How NCS Notation Works
S 1050-R90B breaks down as:
- S - Standard NCS collection
- 10 - Blackness percentage (10%)
- 50 - Chromaticness percentage (50%)
- R90B - Hue (Red with 90% Blue)
Valid NCS Input Examples
Click on any example to try it
How to Use NCS to CMYK Color Converter Tool
Understanding NCS Notation
The Natural Color System (NCS) uses a notation that describes colors based on how they appear visually rather than how they're mixed. The format typically follows:
S XXXX-YYYY
Where:
- S - Indicates the standard NCS collection
- XXXX - Blackness and chromaticness (first two digits are blackness percentage, second two are chromaticness percentage)
- YYYY - Hue notation (combinations of Y, R, B, G with optional numbers)
Examples of hue notations:
- Y - Yellow
- R - Red
- B - Blue
- G - Green
- R80B - Red with 80% Blue (predominantly blue)
- Y70R - Yellow with 70% Red (predominantly red)
How to Convert NCS to CMYK
- Enter a valid NCS color code in the input field (format: S XXXX-YYYY)
- Click the "Convert to CMYK" button
- View the resulting CMYK values and color preview
- Use these CMYK values in your print design application
Important Note: The conversion from NCS to CMYK is an approximation. NCS is a perceptual color system while CMYK is a print color model, so some color variations may occur in the final printed result.
Tips for Using CMYK Values
- Always test print colors before final production runs
- CMYK gamut is more limited than RGB or NCS color spaces
- Consider working with a professional printer for critical color matching
- Different printers and papers can affect how CMYK colors appear
Technical Information
About NCS
The Natural Color System (NCS) is a perceptual color model based on how humans perceive color. It describes colors in terms of their visual properties:
- Blackness (amount of black in the color)
- Chromaticness (color strength/saturation)
- Hue (color family and mixture)
NCS is widely used in architecture, design, and color specification where precise color communication is important.
About CMYK
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is a subtractive color model used in color printing. It works by:
- Combining ink colors to absorb specific wavelengths of light
- Using percentages from 0-100% for each color channel
- Creating darker colors by adding more ink (unlike RGB which adds more light)
CMYK is the standard for commercial printing, magazines, brochures, and other printed materials.
Conversion Limitations
Converting between NCS and CMYK involves several technical challenges:
- NCS is a perceptual system while CMYK is a production color model
- CMYK has a more limited gamut (range of colors) than NCS
- Some vibrant NCS colors cannot be accurately reproduced in CMYK
- Conversion requires intermediate color space transformations
- Results can vary depending on the conversion algorithm used