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.
Reference
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)
Analysis
Color intelligence
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Gamut
The full range of colors a device or space can show. sRGB is the common screen gamut; Display P3 is wider. A color outside a gamut cannot be shown accurately there and must be mapped inward.Full glossary entry →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
Undertone
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warm
Nearest standard colors
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →- 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: a 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
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Alarm
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Harmonies
Color harmonies
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →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
Accessibility
Contrast & accessibility
Aa on white
contrast 4.60:1
AA pass AAA fail AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 4.57:1
AA pass AAA fail AA large pass
Best text color on a Alarm background: #ffffff
Palettes
Palettes featuring Alarm
Alarm with its complement
Soft neighbors of Alarm
Alarm triad
Explore
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 .
FAQ
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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