RGB to HSL Conversion
Disclaimer: All calculators in the Textile Calculator have been reviewed by the relevant textile industry experts.
RGB to HSL Conversion Formula
To convert RGB to HSL:
Normalize the RGB values by dividing by 255:
r = R / 255
g = G / 255
b = B / 255
Find max and min values:
max = Math.max(r, g, b)
min = Math.min(r, g, b)
Calculate Lightness (L):
L = (max + min) / 2
Calculate Saturation (S):
if max == min:
S = 0
else:
if L < 0.5:
S = (max - min) / (max + min)
else:
S = (max - min) / (2.0 - max - min)
Calculate Hue (H):
if max == r:
H = (g - b) / (max - min)
else if max == g:
H = 2.0 + (b - r) / (max - min)
else:
H = 4.0 + (r - g) / (max - min)
H = H * 60
if H < 0:
H += 360
Table of Contents
Color plays a key role in textile manufacturing. As a textile engineer and fashion designer, I use color models like RGB and HSL in design work. RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. HSL means Hue, Saturation, and Lightness. I convert RGB to HSL when I prepare digital designs or test dye shades. The conversion helps me adjust color tones on-screen and match them with real fabrics.

Why RGB and HSL Matter in Textile Design
Digital fabric design uses RGB color values. When I print or dye fabric, I shift to HSL. This helps me work with color lightness and tone. RGB works well for screens. HSL works better for selecting fabric dye shades. Designers and engineers like me need both models to manage color accurately.
What Is RGB?
RGB is a color model. It uses Red, Green, and Blue to create other colors. Each value ranges from 0 to 255. If all three values are 255, we get white. If all are 0, we get black. RGB is used in digital screens, fabric design software, and product mockups.
Example:
RGB(255, 0, 0) = Bright Red
RGB(0, 255, 0) = Bright Green
RGB(0, 0, 255) = Bright Blue
What Is HSL?
HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, and Lightness.
- Hue shows the type of color. It uses degrees (0–360).
- Saturation shows the strength of the color. 100% is full color, 0% is gray.
- Lightness shows how light or dark a color is. 50% is normal, 0% is black, and 100% is white.
Example:
HSL(0, 100%, 50%) = Bright Red
HSL(120, 100%, 50%) = Bright Green
HSL(240, 100%, 50%) = Bright Blue
Why Use RGB to HSL Conversion in Textile Work?
As a textile engineer, I often receive RGB color codes from designers. But I need HSL to dye or print fabric. RGB does not show color strength or brightness directly. HSL shows both. This makes color editing easier.
Benefits of HSL for Fabric Design
- I can adjust lightness to match fabric brightness.
- I use saturation to check dye strength.
- I select the hue to test the color tone during lab dip trials.
For example, if I get RGB(255, 200, 150), I convert it to HSL to adjust the saturation or lightness before applying it to the fabric.
RGB to HSL Calculator for Textile Engineers
I made a simple RGB to HSL calculator to speed up my workflow. I input RGB values and click Calculate. The tool gives me the HSL output instantly. This helps me:
- Save time during color sampling
- Get an accurate tone for digital printing
- Create trend-based color palettes
Use Case in Fashion Design
In trend forecasting, designers use digital boards. These boards contain RGB values. I convert them to HSL to build color palettes for the next season. The HSL format helps me plan dyeing recipes better. I use this method for seasonal collections, client samples, and color approvals.
Common RGB to HSL Examples
RGB | HSL |
---|---|
RGB(255, 0, 0) | HSL(0, 100%, 50%) |
RGB(0, 255, 0) | HSL(120, 100%, 50%) |
RGB(0, 0, 255) | HSL(240, 100%, 50%) |
RGB(128, 128, 128) | HSL(0, 0%, 50%) |
I use this table often while checking fabric swatches and e-commerce images.
Final Thoughts
RGB to HSL conversion helps me in digital design and physical fabric matching. I use both color models daily. RGB is good for screen colors. HSL helps in dyeing and lightness control. The calculator gives fast results. I use it during sample preparation, digital printing, and fabric approvals.
Using this step-by-step method improves my color accuracy and saves time in textile manufacturing.