Enter any Pantone or PMS code to get its L*, a*, b* values instantly — no signup, no software required.
LAB values are calculated approximations derived from the open-source Pantone Solid Coated reference dataset, not official licensed Pantone measurements. For production color-critical work, verify against a physical Pantone guide.
How It Works
LAB values for each Pantone code are calculated from the Pantone Solid Coated color reference dataset, not measured with a spectrophotometer. Each Pantone swatch has a published sRGB approximation, which this tool converts through the CIE LAB color space using the D50 illuminant — the standard white point used in print and prepress color science, rather than the D65 illuminant used for on-screen sRGB. This is why the same Pantone code can show slightly different LAB numbers depending on which converter or software calculates it: the illuminant and reference dataset both affect the result.
L* represents lightness (0 = black, 100 = white), a* represents the green–red axis, and b* represents the blue–yellow axis. Print professionals use LAB values because, unlike RGB or CMYK, LAB is designed to align with how the human eye perceives color differences — which is also why LAB with Delta E (ΔE) distance is the standard method for comparing how close two colors actually look, rather than just comparing raw numbers.
When to Use Pantone-to-LAB Conversion
- Matching a Pantone spot color in a Lab-based design tool — apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and prepress software often need LAB input for Pantone books that aren’t natively licensed in the software
- Cross-referencing a client’s brand color — agencies converting a brand’s Pantone spec into LAB for a print vendor or packaging supplier
- Color-matching across print and digital — comparing a Pantone spot color against a photographed or scanned reference using LAB + Delta E instead of eyeballing RGB
FAQ
What LAB value is Pantone 219 C?
Pantone 219 C converts to approximately L* 49.07, a* 73.54, b* -7.19 (hex #DA1884). The strongly positive a* value reflects its saturated magenta-pink hue, while the slightly negative b* pulls it toward blue rather than yellow.
What LAB value is Pantone 192 C?
Pantone 192 C converts to approximately L* 49.05, a* 75.30, b* 31.28 (hex #E40046). Its high positive a* and b* values place it firmly in the red family — a warmer, more orange-leaning red than 219 C.
What LAB value is Pantone 7527 C?
Pantone 7527 C converts to approximately L* 84.23, a* -0.37, b* 7.46 (hex #D6D2C4). The near-zero a* and low positive b* indicate a neutral, slightly warm off-white/greige — common in paper stock and packaging backgrounds.
What LAB value is Pantone 7499 C?
Pantone 7499 C converts to approximately L* 91.23, a* -1.97, b* 26.84 (hex #F1E6B2). The high lightness and positive b* reflect a pale, warm cream/yellow tone.
Is PMS the same as Pantone?
Yes. PMS (Pantone Matching System) is the standardized color-matching system Pantone publishes, so “PMS to LAB” and “Pantone to LAB” refer to the same conversion.
Are these LAB values official Pantone measurements?
No. These values are calculated approximations based on an open-source Pantone Solid Coated reference dataset, not licensed spectrophotometer readings from Pantone. For color-critical print production, verify against a physical Pantone guide or your print vendor’s measured values.
Why do LAB values for the same Pantone code differ between tools?
Different tools may use different reference datasets (Coated vs. Uncoated, older vs. newer Pantone editions) and different illuminants (D50 vs. D65) in their conversion math, which produces slightly different LAB numbers for the same code.