Grey
Also known as: Trolley Grey , Aged Moustache Grey , Platinum Granite , Pound Sterling
Grey is what happens when gray turns medium and muted. The effect is quiet and sophisticated, made for minimal interfaces and architecture. Because it leans neutral, balancing it with a gray keeps a palette from feeling one-note. Against dark backgrounds it stays legible (5.32:1), but avoid it as text on white.
Reference
Grey color codes
- HEX
- #808080
- RGB
- rgb(128, 128, 128)
- RGBA
- rgba(128, 128, 128, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(0, 0%, 50%)
- HSV
- hsv(0, 0%, 50%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 50%)
- LAB
- lab(53.6 0.0 0.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(60.0% 0.000 0.0)
Analysis
Color intelligence
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Gamut
The full range of colors a device or space can show. sRGB is the common screen gamut; Display P3 is wider. A color outside a gamut cannot be shown accurately there and must be mapped inward.Full glossary entry →Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
Undertone
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neutral, leaning warm
Nearest standard colors
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →- CSS: gray #808080 · ΔE 0.0
- RAL 9023: Pearl dark grey #7E8182 · ΔE 1.6 · 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 Grey works
- Web & UI: A supporting-cast color for UI: chart fills, tags, and empty-state illustrations, but not text.
- Interiors: Strong for a whole room, excellent in doses: an accent wall, cabinetry, or a statement chair.
- Fashion: A wardrobe neutral: it anchors outfits and pairs with nearly any accent color.
- Branding: Craft and heritage material: coffee, leather goods, and premium packaging live here.
- Fashion: Wears best as the statement piece, a top, scarf, or shoes, against neutral basics.
- Branding: A secondary brand color by nature: it supports a stronger primary and shines in illustration.
Copy as: every ecosystem
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Grey
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Harmonies
Color harmonies
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →Palettes built from Grey by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast & accessibility
Aa on white
contrast 3.95:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 5.32:1
AA pass AAA fail AA large pass
Best text color on a Grey background: #000000
Palettes
Palettes featuring Grey
Grey with its complement
Soft neighbors of Grey
Grey triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Ironside #7E8082 · ΔE 1.4
- Gryphon #838585 · ΔE 2.0
- Whale #7C8181 · ΔE 2.7
- Jumbo #878785 · ΔE 2.8
- Concord #827F79 · ΔE 3.4
- Lucky Grey #777777 · ΔE 3.5
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Grey is closest to Ironside .
FAQ
Grey FAQs
What color is Grey?
Grey is a medium gray with the hex code #808080. In HSL terms it has a hue of 0°, 0% saturation, and 50% lightness.
What is the hex code for Grey?
The hex code for Grey is #808080. In RGB it's rgb(128, 128, 128), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 50%).
What colors go well with Grey?
Grey pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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