Color Temperature Calculator RGB

Color Temperature Formula:

\[ CCT = -449 n^3 + 3525 n^2 - 6823.3 n + 5520.33 \] \[ n = \frac{x - 0.3320}{0.1858 y - 0.3320} \]

Correlated Color Temperature (CCT):

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1. What is Color Temperature?

Color temperature is a characteristic of visible light that describes the color of light emitted by an idealized black-body radiator. It is measured in kelvins (K) and helps define the color appearance of light sources.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the color temperature formula:

\[ CCT = -449 n^3 + 3525 n^2 - 6823.3 n + 5520.33 \] \[ n = \frac{x - 0.3320}{0.1858 y - 0.3320} \]

Where:

\( CCT \) — Correlated Color Temperature (Kelvin)
\( n \) — Intermediate calculation variable
\( x \) — CIE chromaticity coordinate x
\( y \) — CIE chromaticity coordinate y

Explanation: This formula converts CIE chromaticity coordinates (x,y) to correlated color temperature using a cubic approximation method.

3. Importance of Color Temperature Calculation

Details: Color temperature calculation is essential in lighting design, photography, display calibration, and color science applications to ensure accurate color reproduction and appropriate lighting conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter CIE chromaticity coordinates x and y values between 0 and 1. The calculator will compute the correlated color temperature in Kelvin.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical color temperature ranges?
A: Candlelight: 1500-2000K, Incandescent: 2700-3000K, Daylight: 5000-6500K, Overcast sky: 6500-10000K.

Q2: How are CIE chromaticity coordinates obtained?
A: They can be measured using spectrophotometers or calculated from RGB values using color space conversion formulas.

Q3: What is the difference between color temperature and CCT?
A: Color temperature applies to black-body radiators, while Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) describes light sources that don't exactly follow black-body radiation but have similar color appearance.

Q4: What are the limitations of this calculation method?
A: This cubic approximation works well for most common light sources but may have reduced accuracy at extreme color temperatures or for sources with unusual spectral distributions.

Q5: How is color temperature used in practical applications?
A: Used in photography white balance, LED lighting design, display calibration, film production, and architectural lighting to achieve desired color rendering and mood.