XYZ to LAB Converter

Convert CIE XYZ tristimulus values to CIELAB (L*a*b*) relative to the D65 white point. Enter X, Y, Z with Y scaled to 100 and read L*, a*, b* with a color preview.

xyz

cie-xyz

lab

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Quick Presets

Common colors as CIE XYZ (D65, Y scaled to 100) valuesNeed LAB to XYZ?

Input

Enter CIE XYZ values (D65, Y scaled to 100) to convert to CIELAB.

X (0–95.047)

Y (0–100)

Z (0–108.883)

How it works: Converts CIE XYZ to CIELAB relative to the D65 white point (X 95.047, Y 100, Z 108.883). Y is scaled to 100. L* is limited to 0 to 100 and a*, b* to -128 to 127.

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What is XYZ to LAB Converter?

The XYZ to LAB Converter turns CIE XYZ tristimulus values into CIELAB L*, a*, and b* coordinates. Enter X, Y, and Z with Y scaled to 100, and read the LAB result with a color preview. The conversion is relative to the D65 reference white.

How does XYZ to LAB Converter work?

The converter divides X, Y, and Z by the D65 reference white (95.047, 100, 108.883) and applies the CIELAB function to each ratio: a cube root above 0.008856, and a linear segment below it. L* is 116 times the Y term minus 16, a* is 500 times the X term minus the Y term, and b* is 200 times the Y term minus the Z term.

The tool limits L* to 0 through 100 and a*, b* to -128 through 127, the range the other LAB converters on this site use.

Key Features

Converts CIE XYZ to CIELAB
Uses the D65 reference white
Applies the CIE cube root and linear segments
Accepts X up to 95.047, Y up to 100, Z up to 108.883
Live color preview of the input color
Four preset colors with matching XYZ values

Common Use Cases

When and why you might need this tool

Prepare values for a color difference
Convert XYZ readings to LAB before you calculate Delta E between two colors.
Check a color science calculation
Verify the LAB step of a hand calculation or script that starts from XYZ.
Convert measurement data
Turn tristimulus values from a colorimeter into perceptually based L*a*b* values.
Test a conversion library
Compare your own code against the results of a reference conversion.

How to Use This Tool

Step-by-step guide to get the best results

Enter X, Y, and Z

Use the sliders or type values. Y is scaled so that the white point has Y equal to 100.

Review the preview

The swatch shows the sRGB rendering of the color.

Copy the LAB values

Read L*, a*, and b* or copy the lab() string.

Note the white point

The LAB result uses the D65 reference white, the same white point the XYZ input assumes.

Pro Tips

1
Use a 0 to 100 scale for Y. If your source uses 0 to 1, multiply all three values by 100 first.
2
The D65 white point of X 95.047, Y 100, Z 108.883 gives L* 100 with a* and b* near 0.
3
The tool assumes D65. Values referenced to D50 need chromatic adaptation first.
4
Use the LAB to XYZ Converter to check a result by converting it back.
5
Values are shown to two decimal places. Keep the full precision in your own calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you convert XYZ to LAB?

Divide X, Y, and Z by the reference white, apply the CIELAB function to each ratio, then compute L*, a*, and b* from the three results. This tool does that using the D65 white point.