White Balance Calculator
Convert between color temperature (Kelvin) and mired. Get RGB multipliers and approximate color.
Kelvin → Mired
Mired → Kelvin
Common Light Sources
Conversion Result
182 mired
5500 K
Formula
M = 1,000,000 / K
RGB Multipliers (relative to 5500K)
R:1.00, G:1.00, B:1.00
Approx. Color
Daylight
White Balance Formulas
Mired = 1,000,000 / Kelvin
Kelvin = 1,000,000 / Mired
ΔMired = Mired_target – Mired_current
Mired (micro reciprocal degrees) – linear unit for color temperature correction.
Kelvin – absolute color temperature.
Positive ΔMired → warmer (more red/yellow); negative → cooler (more blue).
Kelvin – absolute color temperature.
Positive ΔMired → warmer (more red/yellow); negative → cooler (more blue).
People Also Ask
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📏 What is mired and why is it used?
🎨 How to adjust white balance in post‑processing?
💡 What are typical color temperatures of common light sources?
🔄 How to convert between Kelvin and mired?
📷 How to use a gray card for custom white balance?
Understanding White Balance
White balance corrects the color cast caused by different light sources to make whites appear neutral. It is usually adjusted by setting a color temperature (Kelvin) and tint.
Kelvin vs. Mired
Kelvin scale is non‑linear: the visual difference between 2000K and 3000K is much larger than between 6000K and 7000K. Mired (micro reciprocal degrees) linearizes these shifts, making it easier to compare color correction filters and white balance adjustments.
Common Light Sources & Color Temperatures
| Light Source | Kelvin (approx.) | Mired |
|---|---|---|
| Candle flame | 1850 K | 540 |
| Sunrise/sunset | 2500 K | 400 |
| Tungsten bulb | 3200 K | 313 |
| Halogen | 3400 K | 294 |
| Fluorescent (cool white) | 4000 K | 250 |
| Daylight (noon) | 5500 K | 182 |
| Electronic flash | 6000 K | 167 |
| Overcast sky | 6500 K | 154 |
| Shade (blue sky) | 7500 K | 133 |
Detailed FAQs
How do I use the RGB multipliers shown in the result?
The RGB multipliers indicate how much to scale each color channel to achieve white balance relative to a 5500K daylight reference. For example, at 3200K (tungsten), R > G > B, meaning you need to reduce red or increase blue. In practice, white balance tools apply these gains automatically.
What is the difference between white balance and color temperature?
Color temperature describes the hue of a light source (e.g., warm yellow, cool blue). White balance is the camera setting that compensates for that color temperature to make white appear neutral. They are two sides of the same concept.