Why not just buy pre-mixed colours?

Mixing your own colours gives you far more control over hue, saturation and value. You can match any colour exactly and develop a deeper understanding of colour relationships. It also reduces the number of tubes you need to carry.

Do oils and acrylics mix differently?

Yes. Acrylics dry slightly darker and shift in hue. Oils stay true to the wet mix. Watercolours dry lighter. Always test your mix on a scrap piece and let it dry before applying to your painting.

What does "parts" mean in a mixing ratio?

Parts are relative proportions, not absolute amounts. If a mix calls for 3 parts red and 2 parts yellow, you could use 3 ml red and 2 ml yellow, or 3 knife-loads of red and 2 of yellow. The ratio stays the same.

How do I make colours less intense?

Add the complementary colour in small amounts to reduce saturation without changing value. For example, add a touch of green to dull a red. Alternatively, add grey or a mix of all three primaries. Avoid adding black, which can create muddy results.

ArtCalcs

Colour Mixing Ratio Calculator — Paint Mixing Guide

Work out primary colour ratios to mix a target colour family for any paint medium.

Paint MediumEnter the paint medium

Target Colour FamilyColour specification

Lightness

1 = very dark, 10 = very light

Warmth

1 = cool, 10 = warm

How We Calculate This

How Colour Mixing Ratios Work

Base ratio = colour family recipe × warmth × opacity

Each colour family has a base ratio of primary colours. The warmth slider shifts the balance towards warm (more red/yellow) or cool (more blue). Lightness controls white and black additions. The opacity factor adjusts for transparent vs opaque techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.