#9CA1AD color
The hex color #9CA1AD is a light, grayish blue.
In the RGB color model it is made of 61.2% red, 63.1% green and 67.8% blue (156, 161, 173).
Its hue angle is 222°, with 9% saturation and 65% lightness. For print, the CMYK equivalent is 10% cyan, 7% magenta, 0% yellow and 32% black.
The closest named color is Dusky Mood (#979BA8), a difference of 2 ΔE, which is barely visible.
Black text is the more readable choice on this background (contrast 8.11:1).
#9CA1AD color codes
| HEX | #9CA1AD | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | rgb(156, 161, 173) | |
| RGB percent | rgb(61.2%, 63.1%, 67.8%) | |
| HSL | hsl(222, 9%, 65%) | |
| HSV / HSB | hsv(222, 10%, 68%) | |
| CMYK | cmyk(10%, 7%, 0%, 32%) | |
| CIE LAB | lab(66.19, 0.64, -6.82) | |
| CIE LCH | lch(66.19, 6.85, 275.37) | |
| CIE XYZ | xyz(33.996, 35.574, 44.603) | |
| Decimal | 10265005 | |
| Short hex | None (no 3-digit form) |
Color harmonies
Colors that go with #9CA1AD, based on their position on the color wheel.
Complementary
The color opposite on the color wheel (180°). Strongest contrast.
Analogous
Neighbors 30° either side. Calm, natural combinations.
Split complementary
The two colors next to the complement (150° and 210°).
Triadic
Three colors evenly spaced, 120° apart.
Tetradic (square)
Four colors 90° apart.
Shades, tints and tones
Shades (darker, mixed with black)
Tints (lighter, mixed with white)
Tones (mixed with gray)
Contrast and accessibility
| Text on #9CA1AD | Ratio | AA | AAA | AA large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample text | 8.11:1 | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Sample text | 2.59:1 | Fail | Fail | Fail |
| #9CA1AD as text on | Ratio | AA | AAA | AA large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample text | 2.59:1 | Fail | Fail | Fail |
| Sample text | 8.11:1 | Pass | Pass | Pass |
WCAG 2 asks for 4.5:1 for normal text (AA), 7:1 for AAA, and 3:1 for large text. Check other pairs.
Color blindness simulation
How #9CA1AD looks to people with the most common types of color vision deficiency.
#9ea2aeProtanopia
no red cones#9ca0adDeuteranopia
no green cones#98a3a5Tritanopia
no blue cones#a1a1a1Achromatopsia
no color vision
CSS examples
.background { background-color: #9ca1ad; }
.text { color: #9ca1ad; }
.border { border: 2px solid #9ca1ad; }
.transparent { background-color: rgb(156 161 173 / 50%); }
.gradient { background: linear-gradient(to right, #9ca1ad, #a09cad); }
Similar colors
#979ba8Dusky Mood#9698a3Dark Ages#94a2b1Robotic Gods#91979fGrisaille#9596a4Too Big to Whale#9999aaMachinery#9998a7Lavender Ash#8d9ca7Lost at Sea
Closest common color name: Dark Gray.
Questions
- What color is #9CA1AD?
- #9CA1AD is a light, grayish blue, closest to the named color Dusky Mood. It belongs to the gray family of colors.
- What is the RGB value of #9CA1AD?
- The RGB value is 156, 161, 173: 156 red, 161 green and 173 blue on a 0 to 255 scale.
- What is the complementary color of #9CA1AD?
- The complementary color is #ADA89C, found by rotating the hue 180° on the color wheel.
- Is black or white text better on #9CA1AD?
- Black text. Black text has a contrast ratio of 8.11:1 and white text 2.59:1. WCAG asks for at least 4.5:1 for normal text.