Light Blue
Also known as: Blue Refrain, Lady-In-Waiting, Longitude, Light Blue Glint
With its cool undertone, Light Blue (#ADD8E6) comes across as clean and modern. Designers reach for it in healthcare apps and modern branding. For contrast, pair it with a orange from its complementary palette below. Accessibility-wise, it needs a dark backdrop — 13.74:1 on black clears AA.
Light Blue color codes
- HEX
- #ADD8E6
- RGB
- rgb(173, 216, 230)
- RGBA
- rgba(173, 216, 230, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(195, 53%, 79%)
- HSV
- hsv(195, 25%, 90%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(25%, 6%, 0%, 10%)
- LAB
- lab(83.6 -12.2 -11.8)
- OKLCH
- oklch(85.6% 0.049 219.7)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
cool
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: lightblue#ADD8E6 · ΔE 0.0
- RAL 6027 — Light green#81C0BB · ΔE 12.3 · 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 Light Blue works
- Web & UI: A supporting-cast color for UI: chart fills, tags, empty-state illustrations — not text.
- Interiors: Strong for a whole room, excellent in doses: an accent wall, cabinetry, or a statement chair.
- Fashion: Wears best as the statement piece — a top, scarf, or shoes — against neutral basics.
- Branding: Sits in the trust register — a natural primary for finance, health, and B2B brands.
- Branding: A secondary brand color by nature: it supports a stronger primary and shines in illustration.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Light Blue
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Light Blue 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 1.53:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Aa — on black
contrast 13.74:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Best text color on a Light Blue background: #000000
Palettes featuring Light Blue
Light Blue with its complement
Soft neighbors of Light Blue
Light Blue triad
Similar colors
- Lady-In-Waiting#AEDCEC · ΔE 1.2
- Polar Wind#B4DFED · ΔE 1.6
- Ariel#AED7EA · ΔE 2.3
- Pale Whale#B6D3DF · ΔE 3.5
- Clear Water#AAD5DB · ΔE 3.5
- Wave#A5CED5 · ΔE 3.8
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Light Blue is closest to Taco.
Light Blue FAQs
What color is Light Blue?
Light Blue is a light cyan with the hex code #ADD8E6. In HSL terms it has a hue of 195°, 53% saturation, and 79% lightness.
What is the hex code for Light Blue?
The hex code for Light Blue is #ADD8E6. In RGB it's rgb(173, 216, 230), and in CMYK it's cmyk(25%, 6%, 0%, 10%).
What colors go well with Light Blue?
Light Blue pairs naturally with orange tones from its complementary harmony, and with red accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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