Hex color codes explained: what #RRGGBB really means
4 min readUpdated May 26, 2026
A hex color is just RGB written in base-16. Once you can read the three pairs, you can eyeball any hex code.
Reading #RRGGBB
A six-digit hex code is three pairs: RR red, GG green, BB blue. Each pair is a hexadecimal number from 00 (0) to ff (255). So #7C5CFF is red 0x7C=124, green 0x5C=92, blue 0xFF=255 — rgb(124, 92, 255).
Convert any code both ways in the HEX ↔ RGB ↔ HSL converter, or look up its name in the Color Name Finder.
Shorthand and alpha
- 3-digit shorthand (
#f00) doubles each digit →#ff0000. Only works when both digits of each pair match. - 8-digit hex (
#7C5CFFCC) adds an alpha pair at the end for transparency —CC≈ 80% opaque.
Frequently asked questions
What does #fff mean?
#fff is shorthand for #ffffff — pure white (red, green and blue all at 255).
How do I convert hex to RGB?
Split the code into three pairs and read each as a base-16 number, or paste it into the HEX ↔ RGB ↔ HSL converter for an instant answer.
What is the 8-digit hex format?
It is #RRGGBBAA — the last pair is the alpha (opacity) channel, from 00 (transparent) to ff (opaque).