Graphite Blue color code: #2C3A47
A pencil-grey blue that behaves like a neutral in most layouts.
Graphite Blue · rgb(44, 58, 71)
Every format for Graphite Blue
- HEX
- #2C3A47
- RGB
- rgb(44, 58, 71)
- HSL
- hsl(209, 23%, 23%)
- HSV
- 209°, 38%, 28%
- CMYK
- 38%, 18%, 0%, 72%
- Lightness
- 23% · dark
Hue sits at 209°, which makes Graphite Blue a slightly cool blue navy, with 23% saturation. In the Slate Navy family it reads as a dark option.
Text contrast on Graphite Blue
Contrast ratios are calculated using the WCAG 2.1 relative luminance formula. Normal body text needs 4.5:1 and large text needs 3:1 to pass AA.
White text on Graphite Blue
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
11.65:1 — AAA for normal textBlack text on Graphite Blue
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
1.8:1 — below AA, decorative use onlyGraphite Blue text on white
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
11.65:1 — AAA for normal textAccessibility notes
- Pair Graphite Blue with white text for the strongest reading experience: that combination gives 11.65:1.
- Used as a text colour on white, it clears the 3:1 bar for large headings.
- Never rely on Graphite Blue alone to communicate state. Add an icon, label or underline so the meaning survives for colour-blind users and in greyscale printing.
- When placing text over a photograph tinted with Graphite Blue, add a solid overlay first. Contrast measured against a flat colour does not hold over varying imagery.
Using Graphite Blue in CSS and HTML
CSS example
:root {
--graphite-blue: #2C3A47;
}
.panel {
background-color: var(--graphite-blue);
color: #FFFFFF;
border: 1px solid #2C3A47;
}HTML example
<div style="background-color: #2C3A47; color: #FFFFFF; padding: 1rem;">
Graphite Blue #2C3A47
</div>Common uses
- Page and section backgrounds in dark interfaces, where it holds white text cleanly.
- Slate Navy palettes for brand systems that need a dependable cool anchor.
- Print work where a deep blue is preferred to black, using the CMYK build 38%, 18%, 0%, 72%.
- Data visualisation, as one step in a lightness-based navy scale.
Design recommendations
- Build lighter and darker variants by changing only the lightness in
hsl(209, 23%, 23%). Keeping hue fixed is what makes a scale look intentional. - Give Graphite Blue at least one warm counterweight. A cool palette with no warm accent tends to read as cold rather than calm.
- Saturation is moderate, which makes this shade forgiving across large areas and long reading sessions.
Complementary and matching colors
Each of these is derived from the hue, saturation and lightness of Graphite Blue. Click a swatch to copy it.
Similar navy shades
Continue exploring
FAQs about Graphite Blue
What is the Graphite Blue color code?
The Graphite Blue color code is #2C3A47 in HEX, rgb(44, 58, 71) in RGB and hsl(209, 23%, 23%) in HSL.
What is the RGB value of Graphite Blue?
Graphite Blue is rgb(44, 58, 71), meaning 44 units of red, 58 of green and 71 of blue on the 0 to 255 scale.
What is the CMYK value of Graphite Blue?
In CMYK, Graphite Blue converts to approximately 38%, 18%, 0%, 72%. Printed output will look slightly less saturated than the screen preview because CMYK covers a narrower gamut.
Does white text work on Graphite Blue?
White text on Graphite Blue gives a contrast ratio of 11.65:1, which is AAA for normal text.
Does black text work on Graphite Blue?
Black text on Graphite Blue gives a contrast ratio of 1.8:1, which is below AA, decorative use only.
Which colors go with Graphite Blue?
Its direct complement is #816851, and the warm accent #B39647 works well for calls to action. For a quieter scheme, pair it with the analogous blues listed above.
Is Graphite Blue a light or dark navy?
At 23% lightness, Graphite Blue is classed as a dark navy in this collection.