Black
Also known as: Binary Black, Armour Wash, Black Hole, Vantablack
Black is a deep, muted black that reads as dramatic and powerful. It shines in luxury branding and editorial typography. For contrast, pair it with a black from its complementary palette below. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (21.00:1, passes WCAG AA).
Black color codes
- HEX
- #000000
- RGB
- rgb(0, 0, 0)
- RGBA
- rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(0, 0%, 0%)
- HSV
- hsv(0, 0%, 0%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%)
- LAB
- lab(0.0 0.0 0.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(0.0% 0.000 0.0)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning warm
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: black#000000 · ΔE 0.0
- RAL 9005 — Jet black#0A0A0D · ΔE 2.1 · 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 Black works
- Web & UI: Dark enough for body text and icons on white backgrounds — it passes WCAG AA as-is.
- Interiors: Strong for a whole room, excellent in doses: an accent wall, cabinetry, or a statement chair.
- Fashion: A wardrobe neutral: it anchors outfits and pairs with nearly any accent color.
- Branding: Craft and heritage material — coffee, leather goods, and premium packaging live here.
- Web & UI: A supporting-cast color for UI: chart fills, tags, empty-state illustrations — not text.
- Fashion: Wears best as the statement piece — a top, scarf, or shoes — against neutral basics.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Black
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Black 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 21.00:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 1.00:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Black background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Black
Black with its complement
Soft neighbors of Black
Black triad
Similar colors
- Black Metal#060606 · ΔE 0.9
- Raven#0B0B0B · ΔE 1.8
- Eight Ball#03050A · ΔE 2.1
- Liquorice#0A0502 · ΔE 2.2
- Blackout#0E0702 · ΔE 3.3
- Sinister#12110E · ΔE 3.4
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Black is closest to Black Metal.
Black FAQs
What color is Black?
Black is a dark black with the hex code #000000. In HSL terms it has a hue of 0°, 0% saturation, and 0% lightness.
What is the hex code for Black?
The hex code for Black is #000000. In RGB it's rgb(0, 0, 0), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%).
What colors go well with Black?
Black pairs naturally with black tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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