Pumpernickel
Also known as: Axe Handle , Aloeswood , Semi Sweet Chocolate , Van Dyke Brown
Few browns feel this gentle. Pumpernickel leans warm and earthy and grounded, which points it toward autumn design and coffee and food branding. Reach for a blue companion shade to give Pumpernickel maximum contrast. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (8.23:1, passes WCAG AA).
Reference
Pumpernickel color codes
- HEX
- #6C462D
- RGB
- rgb(108, 70, 45)
- RGBA
- rgba(108, 70, 45, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(24, 41%, 30%)
- HSV
- hsv(24, 58%, 42%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 35%, 58%, 58%)
- LAB
- lab(33.7 14.7 22.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(43.1% 0.065 53.5)
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: saddlebrown #8B4513 · ΔE 9.4
- RAL 8007: Fawn brown #6F4A2F · 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 Pumpernickel 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: 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 for dividers, chart series, and 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
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Pumpernickel
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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 Pumpernickel 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 8.23:1
AA pass AAA pass AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 2.55:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large fail
Best text color on a Pumpernickel background: #ffffff
Palettes
Palettes featuring Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel with its complement
Soft neighbors of Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Buckeye #674834 · ΔE 2.7
- Coffee #6F4E37 · ΔE 2.9
- Bison #6E4F3A · ΔE 3.6
- Toffee #755139 · ΔE 3.7
- Brisket #6E4534 · ΔE 3.7
- Grilled #633F2E · ΔE 3.9
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Pumpernickel is closest to Juggernaut .
FAQ
Pumpernickel FAQs
What color is Pumpernickel?
Pumpernickel is a dark brown with the hex code #6C462D. In HSL terms it has a hue of 24°, 41% saturation, and 30% lightness.
What is the hex code for Pumpernickel?
The hex code for Pumpernickel is #6C462D. In RGB it's rgb(108, 70, 45), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 35%, 58%, 58%).
What colors go well with Pumpernickel?
Pumpernickel pairs naturally with blue tones from its complementary harmony, and with cyan accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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