Pantone Matching System
A standardized library of ~2,000+ pre-mixed spot ink colors used in print, fashion, and product design for color consistency across vendors.
Definition
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a proprietary color standard owned by Pantone LLC. Each Pantone color is a pre-mixed ink with a unique code (e.g. PANTONE 18-3838 TPX 'Ultra Violet'). Brands use Pantone codes to ensure their identity color reproduces identically across business cards, packaging, fabrics, and promotional materials — regardless of which printer produces them.
Formula
No conversion formula — Pantone colors are physical ink samples. Approximate hex/RGB equivalents are published, but the closest hex match is always an approximation since Pantone exists outside the CMYK gamut.
Example
Coca-Cola Red is PANTONE 484 C, ~#F40009 in hex. Tiffany Blue is PANTONE 1837, ~#0ABAB5 in hex.