Charcoal
Also known as: Wet Concrete, Green Black, Pirate Black, Phantom Ship
Charcoal sits on the neutral side of the spectrum: a muted gray that feels neutral and understated. Try it in editorial layouts and neutral backgrounds. Its complement lands in gray territory, which makes for striking two-color pairings. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (11.89:1, passes WCAG AA).
Charcoal color codes
- HEX
- #343837
- RGB
- rgb(52, 56, 55)
- RGBA
- rgba(52, 56, 55, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(165, 4%, 21%)
- HSV
- hsv(165, 7%, 22%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(7%, 0%, 2%, 78%)
- LAB
- lab(23.1 -1.9 0.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(33.6% 0.006 179.4)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning cool
subtle cyan undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: darkslategray#2F4F4F · ΔE 12.0
- RAL 7021 — Black grey#2E3234 · ΔE 2.8 · 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 Charcoal 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 Charcoal
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Charcoal 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 11.89:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 1.77:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Charcoal background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Charcoal
Charcoal with its complement
Soft neighbors of Charcoal
Charcoal triad
Similar colors
- Oil#313330 · ΔE 2.2
- Tamahagane#3B3F40 · ΔE 2.7
- Carbon#333333 · ΔE 3.0
- Black Olive#3B3C36 · ΔE 3.5
- Dead Pixel#3B3A3A · ΔE 3.6
- Vulcan#36383C · ΔE 3.9
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Charcoal is closest to Eclipse.
Charcoal FAQs
What color is Charcoal?
Charcoal is a dark gray with the hex code #343837. In HSL terms it has a hue of 165°, 4% saturation, and 21% lightness.
What is the hex code for Charcoal?
The hex code for Charcoal is #343837. In RGB it's rgb(52, 56, 55), and in CMYK it's cmyk(7%, 0%, 2%, 78%).
What colors go well with Charcoal?
Charcoal pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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