💇 Hair Dye Mixing Calculator

Enter your dye amount and desired mixing ratio to calculate the developer amount needed and the total mixed volume.

Dye Amount (g or mL)

Mixing Ratio (Dye:Developer)

Developer Volume (reference)

Total Mixed Volume

—

Dye Amount (g or mL) — Developer Amount Needed —

Always do a patch/allergy test and strand test per the product's instructions first. This calculator provides commonly published industry-standard reference ratios, not a substitute for product-specific instructions — always follow the specific manufacturer's recommended ratio and processing time printed on the box. 40 vol developer especially should only be used by, or with guidance from, a professional.

Related Calculators Craft Pricing Calculator Paint Color Mixing Calculator Origami Paper Size Calculator

GUIDE

Learn more

The Dye:Developer Mixing Formula

Developer amount = Dye amount × the ratio's second number, and Total mixed volume = Dye amount + Developer amount. For example, with 60g of dye at a 1:1.5 ratio (permanent color), you need 60 × 1.5 = 90g of developer, for a total mixed volume of 60 + 90 = 150g.

Ratio	Typical Use	Developer needed (for 60g dye)
1:1	Deposit-only / demi-permanent, no lift	60g
1:1.5	Permanent color, 1-2 levels of lift	90g
1:2	High-lift / lightening, up to 3-4 levels	120g

The 1:1 / 1:1.5 / 1:2 dye:developer ratios and the 10/20/30/40-volume developer-to-lift-level associations are widely published industry-standard reference ranges in professional hair coloring education materials — always defer to the specific product's own instructions.

Patch Test, Strand Test, and Safety Guidelines

Before you begin, always do a patch/allergy test and a strand test per the product's own instructions. This calculator provides commonly published, industry-standard reference ratios (1:1 / 1:1.5 / 1:2) and volume-to-lift associations, but it is not a substitute for the manufacturer's specific recommended ratio and processing time printed on the box — always defer to that. 40 vol developer in particular carries a higher risk of scalp and hair damage and should only be used by, or with guidance from, a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Can I just trust this calculator's ratio and start dyeing?

No. Always do a patch/allergy test and strand test per the product's instructions first, and follow the specific manufacturer's recommended ratio and processing time printed on the box. This calculator gives commonly published industry-standard reference ratios, not a substitute for product-specific instructions.

Does the developer volume selection affect the calculation?

No. The developer volume field is informational only (showing which volume suits which lift level) — the developer amount is calculated purely from the selected dye:developer ratio (1:1 / 1:1.5 / 1:2).

Can I use 40 vol developer on my own?

It's not recommended. 40 vol is intended for maximum lift (3-4 levels) and carries significant risk to the scalp and hair, so it should only be used by, or with guidance from, a professional.