Skip to content

Print reference · approximate

Pantone colors

Pantone Color of the Year entries and widely cited spot classics with screen-friendly HEX approximations — for mood boards and slide decks, not press-ready spot ink.

Why this page exists

Pantone books are spot colors; screens are RGB. Designers still search “Pantone 186 HEX” daily. This table answers that with clear approximation disclaimers.

How to use it

  1. Find a COTY swatch or brand-adjacent classic (186 C Red, 286 C Blue, etc.).
  2. Copy HEX into UI mockups; label slides as approximate.
  3. For brand compliance, use official Pantone Connect or licensed books.

Use a different reference when…

You need coated paper proofs — order physical chips, not HEX from a website.

Practical tips

  • COTY colors rotate annually — check the year in the name.
  • CMYK and spot conversions shift by substrate; HEX is one leg of the stool.

Related on ChromaXP

More references and tools.

RAL colorsEuropean industrial standard codes. Paint colorsResidential paint marketing names. Image extractorSample a photo when you need a custom match.

FAQ

What is Pantone 2026 Color of the Year?

Cloud Dancer (11-4201) — an off-white neutral. Verify against Pantone’s official announcement for print.

Why do HEX values not match my Pantone book?

Spot inks use physical pigments. On-screen HEX is always an approximation.

Can I use these in a logo?

Trademark and color licensing still apply. This page is a reference, not brand approval.