Lead
Also known as: Young Night, Verified Black, Nero, Eye Patch
With its neutral undertone, Lead (#212121) comes across as quiet and sophisticated. Designers reach for it in neutral backgrounds and minimal interfaces. Because it leans neutral, balancing it with a gray keeps a palette from feeling one-note. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (16.10:1, passes WCAG AA).
Lead color codes
- HEX
- #212121
- RGB
- rgb(33, 33, 33)
- RGBA
- rgba(33, 33, 33, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(0, 0%, 13%)
- HSV
- hsv(0, 0%, 13%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 87%)
- LAB
- lab(12.7 0.0 0.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(24.8% 0.000 0.0)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning warm
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: black#000000 · ΔE 7.7
- RAL 8022 — Black brown#211F20 · ΔE 1.8 · 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 Lead 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 Lead
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Lead 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 16.10:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 1.30:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Lead background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Lead
Lead with its complement
Soft neighbors of Lead
Lead triad
Similar colors
- Nero#252525 · ΔE 1.3
- Umbra#211E1F · ΔE 2.5
- The End#2A2A2A · ΔE 2.8
- Dark Moon#161718 · ΔE 3.3
- Sooty#141414 · ΔE 4.0
- Darth Vader#27252A · ΔE 4.3
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Lead is closest to Nero.
Lead FAQs
What color is Lead?
Lead is a dark gray with the hex code #212121. In HSL terms it has a hue of 0°, 0% saturation, and 13% lightness.
What is the hex code for Lead?
The hex code for Lead is #212121. In RGB it's rgb(33, 33, 33), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 87%).
What colors go well with Lead?
Lead pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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