Digital Gray Card Reference
18% Gray
Standard Metering Reference
RGB: 120, 120, 120 | #787878
Click for fullscreen
Note: This digital gray card is for reference only. For accurate metering and white balance, use a physical 18% gray card as monitor displays vary significantly.
Grayscale Reference Strip
White
Light Gray
18% Gray
Dark Gray
Black
Custom Gray Value
RGB: 117 | #757575 | Click for fullscreen
White Balance Analysis
📷
Drag & drop an image here
or click to select
Upload a photo of a gray card to analyze white balance
Reference Values
| Card | Reflectance | Hex | EV Offset | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
White | 90% | #E6E6E6 | +2.3 | Highlight reference |
Light Gray | 59% | #9E9E9E | +0.8 | Highlight metering |
18% Gray | 18% | #787878 | 0 | Standard metering reference |
Dark Gray | 9% | #4D4D4D | -1 | Shadow metering |
Black | 3% | #2B2B2B | -2.6 | Shadow reference |
White Balance Target
White | 18% Gray | Black
How to Use a Gray Card
- Metering: Fill viewfinder with gray card, meter reading gives correct exposure
- White balance: Take a reference shot to set custom WB in post
- Placement: Hold card in same light as subject, angled toward camera
- In post: Use gray card shot to neutralize color casts
Digital vs Physical Gray Cards
- Physical cards: Precise, consistent, works in any light
- Digital reference: Monitor-dependent, for rough reference only
- Recommendation: Use physical cards for critical work
- Alternatives: WhiBal, X-Rite ColorChecker, Datacolor SpyderCHECKR