Alarm
Also known as: MVS Red, Helvetia Red, Uproar Red, Hungry Red
Quietly passionate and urgent, Alarm is a warm-toned red that earns its keep in sale banners and sportswear. For contrast, pair it with a cyan from its complementary palette below. On white it reads clearly at 4.60:1 contrast — safe for body text under WCAG AA.
Alarm color codes
- HEX
- #EC0003
- RGB
- rgb(236, 0, 3)
- RGBA
- rgba(236, 0, 3, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(359, 100%, 46%)
- HSV
- hsv(359, 100%, 93%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 100%, 99%, 7%)
- LAB
- lab(50.3 76.2 65.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(59.2% 0.243 29.0)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen. Vivid colors like this typically lose some intensity in CMYK print — request a physical proof for brand-critical work.
Temperature
warm
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: red#FF0000 · ΔE 4.1
- RAL 3028 — Pure red#E72512 · ΔE 1.5 · approximate
RAL values are widely published approximations of the physical standard. For Pantone-adjacent workflows, match by eye against a physical fan deck — Pantone's values are proprietary and device-dependent, so we don't print lookups.
Where Alarm works
- Web & UI: Use it directly for text on light surfaces; it clears AA contrast without adjustment.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land — front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
- Branding: Commands attention in logos and packaging; balance it with generous neutral space.
- Web & UI: Reads as an interactive accent: fills, hovers, focus rings. Keep body text in a darker neutral.
- Branding: Best in a brand's supporting palette — packaging interiors, patterns, campaign accents.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Alarm
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Alarm by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Contrast & accessibility
Aa — on white
contrast 4.60:1
AA passAAA failAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 4.57:1
AA passAAA failAA large pass
Best text color on a Alarm background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Alarm
Alarm with its complement
Soft neighbors of Alarm
Alarm triad
Similar colors
- MVS Red#EE0000 · ΔE 0.6
- Lifeguard#E50000 · ΔE 1.5
- Mario#E4000F · ΔE 2.3
- Ferocious#E2261F · ΔE 3.1
- Stoplight#DD1111 · ΔE 3.2
- Fatal Fury#DA321C · ΔE 3.3
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Alarm is closest to Oasis.
Alarm FAQs
What color is Alarm?
Alarm is a medium red with the hex code #EC0003. In HSL terms it has a hue of 359°, 100% saturation, and 46% lightness.
What is the hex code for Alarm?
The hex code for Alarm is #EC0003. In RGB it's rgb(236, 0, 3), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 100%, 99%, 7%).
What colors go well with Alarm?
Alarm pairs naturally with cyan tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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