Walrus
Also known as: Basalt, Hydrargyrum, Pencil Sketch, Metal Chi
As a soft take on gray, Walrus carries balanced and versatile energy that suits minimal interfaces and architecture. Match it with gray accents when the design calls for energy over calm. For accessible text, use it on black or near-black backgrounds (7.52:1, passes WCAG AA) rather than white.
Walrus color codes
- HEX
- #999B9B
- RGB
- rgb(153, 155, 155)
- RGBA
- rgba(153, 155, 155, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(180, 1%, 60%)
- HSV
- hsv(180, 1%, 61%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(1%, 0%, 0%, 39%)
- LAB
- lab(63.8 -0.7 -0.3)
- OKLCH
- oklch(68.8% 0.002 197.1)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning cool
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: darkgray#A9A9A9 · ΔE 4.5
- RAL 9022 — Pearl light grey#9C9C9C · ΔE 1.2 · 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 Walrus works
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
- Interiors: Muted enough to paint all four walls; sample it in both daylight and evening light before committing.
- 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.
- 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.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Walrus
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Walrus 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 2.79:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Aa — on black
contrast 7.52:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Best text color on a Walrus background: #000000
Palettes featuring Walrus
Walrus with its complement
Soft neighbors of Walrus
Walrus triad
Similar colors
- Grey Area#8F9394 · ΔE 2.9
- Statuary#9EA4A5 · ΔE 3.2
- Tin#919191 · ΔE 3.3
- Quicksilver#A6A6A6 · ΔE 3.7
- Flint Rock#989493 · ΔE 3.7
- Grisaille#91979F · ΔE 4.4
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Walrus is closest to Flint Rock.
Walrus FAQs
What color is Walrus?
Walrus is a medium gray with the hex code #999B9B. In HSL terms it has a hue of 180°, 1% saturation, and 60% lightness.
What is the hex code for Walrus?
The hex code for Walrus is #999B9B. In RGB it's rgb(153, 155, 155), and in CMYK it's cmyk(1%, 0%, 0%, 39%).
What colors go well with Walrus?
Walrus pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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