Deep Blue
Also known as: Scotch Blue, Quantum of Light, Dark Royalty, Insomniac Blue
As a rich take on blue, Deep Blue carries steady and dependable energy that suits corporate branding and SaaS products. Its complement lands in orange territory, which makes for striking two-color pairings. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (16.65:1, passes WCAG AA).
Deep Blue color codes
- HEX
- #040273
- RGB
- rgb(4, 2, 115)
- RGBA
- rgba(4, 2, 115, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(241, 97%, 23%)
- HSV
- hsv(241, 98%, 45%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(97%, 98%, 0%, 55%)
- LAB
- lab(9.9 37.0 -61.3)
- OKLCH
- oklch(25.5% 0.171 265.6)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
cool
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: navy#000080 · ΔE 1.9
- RAL 5002 — Ultramarine blue#2B2C7C · ΔE 9.8 · 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 Deep Blue 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: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
- Branding: The safest brand-primary family there is; differentiate with an unexpected accent.
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
- Branding: Best in a brand's supporting palette — packaging interiors, patterns, campaign accents.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Deep Blue
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Deep Blue 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 16.65:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 1.26:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Deep Blue background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Deep Blue
Deep Blue with its complement
Soft neighbors of Deep Blue
Deep Blue triad
Similar colors
- Blackmail#220066 · ΔE 3.3
- Ravenclaw#0A0555 · ΔE 5.0
- Indiglow#301885 · ΔE 5.8
- Royal#0C1793 · ΔE 5.9
- Voldemort#2D135F · ΔE 6.6
- Cobalt#030AA7 · ΔE 7.4
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Deep Blue is closest to Cola.
Deep Blue FAQs
What color is Deep Blue?
Deep Blue is a dark blue with the hex code #040273. In HSL terms it has a hue of 241°, 97% saturation, and 23% lightness.
What is the hex code for Deep Blue?
The hex code for Deep Blue is #040273. In RGB it's rgb(4, 2, 115), and in CMYK it's cmyk(97%, 98%, 0%, 55%).
What colors go well with Deep Blue?
Deep Blue pairs naturally with orange tones from its complementary harmony, and with brown accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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