Carbon
Also known as: Tomcat, Jet, Dark Charcoal, Off Black
As a rich take on gray, Carbon carries neutral and understated energy that suits architecture and editorial layouts. Set it against a gray accent when you want the combination to pop. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (12.63:1, passes WCAG AA).
Carbon color codes
- HEX
- #333333
- RGB
- rgb(51, 51, 51)
- RGBA
- rgba(51, 51, 51, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(0, 0%, 20%)
- HSV
- hsv(0, 0%, 20%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 80%)
- LAB
- lab(21.2 0.0 0.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(32.1% 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 13.4
- RAL 9004 — Signal black#2E3032 · ΔE 1.9 · 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 Carbon 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: Works as a base layer or outerwear tone that lets brighter pieces do the talking.
- Branding: As a brand anchor it reads established and tactile; pair with a single vivid accent for energy.
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Carbon
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Carbon 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 12.63:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 1.66:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Carbon background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Carbon
Carbon with its complement
Soft neighbors of Carbon
Carbon triad
Similar colors
- Dead Pixel#3B3A3A · ΔE 2.4
- Ebony#313337 · ΔE 2.7
- Oil#313330 · ΔE 2.7
- The End#2A2A2A · ΔE 2.9
- Charcoal#343837 · ΔE 3.0
- Vulcan#36383C · ΔE 3.1
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Carbon is closest to Dead Pixel.
Carbon FAQs
What color is Carbon?
Carbon is a dark gray with the hex code #333333. In HSL terms it has a hue of 0°, 0% saturation, and 20% lightness.
What is the hex code for Carbon?
The hex code for Carbon is #333333. In RGB it's rgb(51, 51, 51), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 80%).
What colors go well with Carbon?
Carbon pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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