Paint Color Calculator

Mix paint to any color — with exact ratios

Pick a target color and get the mixing ratio from the paints you own. Uses a subtractive mixing model that works for acrylic, watercolor and gouache.

Tap the canvas to pick a color, or type a HEX code.

Mixing recipes

Actual results vary by brand and consistency. Test a small amount on your palette first.

Popular paint mix swatches

Approximate ratios using the five basics (white, black, red, yellow, blue). Use the calculator above for an exact match.

Apricot White 8 : Yellow 1 : Red 1
Salmon White 5 : Red 2 : Yellow 1
Mustard Yellow 6 : Red 1 : Black 1
Olive Yellow 3 : Black 1
Turquoise Blue 2 : Yellow 1 : White 2
Navy Blue 5 : Black 1
Lavender White 6 : Blue 1 : Red 1
Burgundy Red 4 : Blue 1 : Black 1
Brown Red 2 : Yellow 2 : Black 1
Gray White 8 : Black 1

Why paint mixes differently from light

Paint colors come from pigments that absorb light, so mixing is subtractive — yellow plus blue makes green, and the more colors you combine, the darker and muddier the result. This calculator simulates that behavior with a light-absorption model instead of naive RGB averaging.

Learn how to use white and black, rescue muddy mixes, and get medium-specific tips in the paint mixing guide.

Frequently asked questions

How are the mixing ratios calculated?

Paint mixing is subtractive — pigments absorb light — so RGB averaging gives wrong answers. This calculator predicts mixed colors with a light-absorption (optical density) model, then searches for the ratio with the smallest perceptual color difference (CIEDE2000).

Does it work for acrylic, watercolor and gouache?

Yes — any paint you blend by pigment. For watercolor, remember that value is usually controlled with water rather than white paint; treat the ratios as full-strength mixes.

The real color looks slightly different. Why?

Pigment types and strengths differ between brands. Mix a small test amount on your palette first, then fine-tune: more primary if it looks pale, more white if it looks dark.

How should I use white and black?

For pastels, start from a white base and add color in small touches. Black is very strong — add it a rice-grain at a time, and consider a complementary color instead for richer darks.

Can I use it without all five basic paints?

Yes. Toggle only the paints you own on the shelf and the calculator finds the best mix with just those. You can also add paints like Burnt Sienna or Viridian yourself.