Cool
Also known as: Calcite Blue, Smooth-Hound Shark, Gulf Winds, Baroque Blue
Cool sits on the cool side of the spectrum: a gentle cyan that feels clean and modern. Try it in water themes and healthcare apps. A red counterpart from the complementary harmony gives it the most tension. Against dark backgrounds it stays legible (9.40:1), but avoid it as text on white.
Cool color codes
- HEX
- #96B3B3
- RGB
- rgb(150, 179, 179)
- RGBA
- rgba(150, 179, 179, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(180, 16%, 65%)
- HSV
- hsv(180, 16%, 70%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(16%, 0%, 0%, 30%)
- LAB
- lab(70.8 -10.3 -3.5)
- OKLCH
- oklch(74.5% 0.032 196.5)
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: cadetblue#5F9EA0 · ΔE 10.8
- RAL 6034 — Pastel turquoise#7FB0B2 · ΔE 5.1 · 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 Cool works
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
- Interiors: Muted enough to paint all four walls; sample it in both daylight and evening light before committing.
- Fashion: Works as a base layer or outerwear tone that lets brighter pieces do the talking.
- Branding: The safest brand-primary family there is; differentiate with an unexpected accent.
- 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.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Cool
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Cool 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 2.24:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Aa — on black
contrast 9.40:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Best text color on a Cool background: #000000
Palettes featuring Cool
Cool with its complement
Soft neighbors of Cool
Cool triad
Similar colors
- Ether#98B2B4 · ΔE 1.5
- Stormy Bay#9AAFAF · ΔE 2.6
- Summit#8BB6B8 · ΔE 3.5
- Wild Life#A5C1C0 · ΔE 3.9
- Treetop#91B6AC · ΔE 5.2
- Equanimity#83A9B3 · ΔE 5.5
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Cool is closest to Parfait.
Cool FAQs
What color is Cool?
Cool is a medium cyan with the hex code #96B3B3. In HSL terms it has a hue of 180°, 16% saturation, and 65% lightness.
What is the hex code for Cool?
The hex code for Cool is #96B3B3. In RGB it's rgb(150, 179, 179), and in CMYK it's cmyk(16%, 0%, 0%, 30%).
What colors go well with Cool?
Cool pairs naturally with red tones from its complementary harmony, and with pink accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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