Knockout
Also known as: Akabeni, Peri Peri, Star and Crescent Red, High Risk Red
As a medium take on red, Knockout carries bold and energetic energy that suits 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.
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)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
warm
Nearest standard colors
- 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 — 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
Tints, shades, and tones of Knockout
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
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
Contrast & accessibility
Aa — on white
contrast 5.63:1
AA passAAA failAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 3.73:1
AA failAAA failAA large pass
Best text color on a Knockout background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Knockout
Knockout with its complement
Soft neighbors of Knockout
Knockout triad
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.
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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