LAB to RGB Converter
Convert CIELAB (L*a*b*) values to sRGB with the D65 white point. Shows the RGB triplet and a color preview, and clamps out-of-gamut LAB colors to the nearest displayable sRGB values.
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What is LAB to RGB Converter?
The LAB to RGB Converter turns CIELAB (L*a*b*) values into sRGB red, green, and blue values. Enter L*, a*, and b* with the sliders or number fields and read the RGB result with a color preview. The conversion uses the D65 white point and the standard sRGB gamma curve.
How does LAB to RGB Converter work?
The converter first changes L*a*b* into CIE XYZ with the inverse CIELAB function and the D65 reference white (X 95.047, Y 100, Z 108.883). It then multiplies XYZ by the inverse sRGB matrix to get linear RGB and applies the sRGB transfer function to get gamma-encoded values from 0 to 255.
CIELAB can describe colors that sRGB cannot display. When a converted channel falls outside 0 to 255, the tool clamps it to that range, so the preview shows the nearest displayable color rather than the exact LAB color.
Key Features
- Converts L*a*b* to sRGB through XYZ
- Uses the D65 reference white
- Applies the standard sRGB gamma curve
- Clamps out-of-gamut channels to 0 to 255
- Live color preview of the result
- Four preset colors with matching LAB values
Common Use Cases
Turn a measured LAB color into screen RGB
Convert a spectrophotometer or colorimeter reading to an RGB value you can use on screen.
Check whether a LAB color fits in sRGB
Compare the preview against the target color. A visible shift means the LAB color is outside the sRGB gamut.
Move a color from a design specification
Convert LAB values from a brand or print specification into RGB for web or app work.
Verify a color library
Cross-check LAB entries in a color table against their published RGB values.
How to Use This Tool
Enter L*, a*, and b*
Use the sliders or type values. L* runs from 0 to 100, and a* and b* from -128 to 127.
Review the preview
The swatch shows the color that the RGB result produces.
Copy the RGB values
Read the red, green, and blue channels or copy the rgb() string.
Check for clipping
Colors outside the sRGB gamut are clipped to the 0 to 255 range, so very saturated LAB values return the nearest displayable channels.
Pro Tips
- 1
The tool assumes D65 LAB. LAB values measured under D50, such as many print profiles, will convert with a small shift.
- 2
If a channel reads exactly 0 or 255 while the others look unusual, the LAB color was out of gamut and was clamped.
- 3
A* and b* both at 0 give a neutral gray at the chosen L*.
- 4
Use the RGB to LAB Converter to check a result by converting it back.
- 5
Round-trip results can differ by 1 on a channel because RGB values are rounded to whole numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert LAB to RGB?
Convert L*a*b* to XYZ with the inverse CIELAB function, multiply XYZ by the inverse sRGB matrix to get linear RGB, and apply the sRGB gamma curve. This tool performs all three steps.
Why does my LAB color look different as RGB?
sRGB covers a smaller range than CIELAB. Highly saturated LAB colors fall outside it, and the converter clamps them to the nearest displayable values.
Does this use D50 or D65?
D65. The reference white is X 95.047, Y 100, Z 108.883. Values measured under D50 need a chromatic adaptation step first.
What are the valid ranges for LAB input?
L* must be between 0 and 100. The a* and b* values must be between -128 and 127.
What RGB does LAB 55.63, 17.54, -64.42 give?
It converts to rgb(59, 130, 246), which is the HEX color #3B82F6.
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