Ebony
Also known as: Ebony Clay, Dark Kettle Black, Hawk’s Eye, Stiletto
Expect balanced and versatile associations from Ebony — a rich gray well suited to editorial layouts and neutral backgrounds. Match it with gray accents when the design calls for energy over calm. On white it reads clearly at 12.66:1 contrast — safe for body text under WCAG AA.
Ebony color codes
- HEX
- #313337
- RGB
- rgb(49, 51, 55)
- RGBA
- rgba(49, 51, 55, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(220, 6%, 20%)
- HSV
- hsv(220, 11%, 22%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(11%, 7%, 0%, 78%)
- LAB
- lab(21.2 -0.2 -2.9)
- OKLCH
- oklch(32.1% 0.008 264.5)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning cool
subtle blue undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: black#000000 · ΔE 13.6
- RAL 9004 — Signal black#2E3032 · ΔE 1.7 · 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 Ebony 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 Ebony
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Ebony 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 12.66:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 1.66:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Ebony background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Ebony
Ebony with its complement
Soft neighbors of Ebony
Ebony triad
Similar colors
- Vulcan#36383C · ΔE 1.6
- Caviar#2B2C30 · ΔE 2.3
- Jet Black#353337 · ΔE 2.6
- Carbon#333333 · ΔE 2.7
- Night Sky#292B31 · ΔE 2.9
- Jaguar#29292F · ΔE 3.7
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Ebony is closest to Holy Crow.
Ebony FAQs
What color is Ebony?
Ebony is a dark gray with the hex code #313337. In HSL terms it has a hue of 220°, 6% saturation, and 20% lightness.
What is the hex code for Ebony?
The hex code for Ebony is #313337. In RGB it's rgb(49, 51, 55), and in CMYK it's cmyk(11%, 7%, 0%, 78%).
What colors go well with Ebony?
Ebony pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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