Knockout
Also known as: Akabeni , Peri Peri , Star and Crescent Red , High Risk Red
Knockout sits on the warm side of the spectrum: a lively red that feels bold and energetic. Try it in sale banners and sportswear. Reach for a cyan companion shade to give Knockout maximum contrast. On white it reads clearly at 5.63:1 contrast, safe for body text under WCAG AA.
Reference
Knockout color codes
- HEX
- #C42B2D
- RGB
- rgb(196, 43, 45)
- RGBA
- rgba(196, 43, 45, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(359, 64%, 47%)
- HSV
- hsv(359, 78%, 77%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 78%, 77%, 23%)
- LAB
- lab(44.5 59.7 38.9)
- OKLCH
- oklch(53.8% 0.189 25.8)
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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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: firebrick #B22222 · ΔE 4.3
- RAL 3020: Traffic red #C1121C · ΔE 3.4 · 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 Knockout 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: a front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
- Branding: Commands attention in logos and packaging; balance it with generous neutral space.
- Web & UI: Reads as an interactive accent: fills, hovers, focus rings. Keep body text in a darker neutral.
- Branding: Best in a brand's supporting palette: packaging interiors, patterns, campaign accents.
Copy as: every ecosystem
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Knockout
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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 Knockout 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 5.63:1
AA pass AAA fail AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 3.73:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large pass
Best text color on a Knockout background: #ffffff
Palettes
Palettes featuring Knockout
Knockout with its complement
Soft neighbors of Knockout
Knockout triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Peri Peri #C62D2C · ΔE 0.8
- Fireball #CE2029 · ΔE 1.8
- Hot Jazz #BC3033 · ΔE 2.1
- Hot Lips #C9312B · ΔE 2.2
- Stop #C33A36 · ΔE 2.2
- Racing Red #C21727 · ΔE 2.3
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Knockout is closest to Bermuda .
FAQ
Knockout FAQs
What color is Knockout?
Knockout is a medium red with the hex code #C42B2D. In HSL terms it has a hue of 359°, 64% saturation, and 47% lightness.
What is the hex code for Knockout?
The hex code for Knockout is #C42B2D. In RGB it's rgb(196, 43, 45), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 78%, 77%, 23%).
What colors go well with Knockout?
Knockout pairs naturally with cyan tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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