What is Charcoal color? Meaning, Hex codes and Palettes

Explore the hex code, RGB, HSL, CMYK and LAB values for Charcoal, see how it looks for people with color vision deficiencies, and find color harmonies built around it.

#4A4A4A
HEX#4A4A4A
RGB74, 74, 74
HSL0°, 0%, 29%
HSB0°, 0%, 29%
CMYK0, 0, 0, 71
LAB31, 0, 0
XYZ6.5, 6.8, 7.5
LCH31, 0, 158°
LUV31, 0, 0
HWB0°, 29%, 71%

Charcoal Color Variations

Shades, tints, tones and hues built from charcoal. Hover any swatch to see its hex code.

Shades

#4A4A4A
#3F3F3F
#353535
#2A2A2A
#202020
#151515
#0B0B0B
#000000

Tints

#4A4A4A
#646464
#7E7E7E
#989898
#B1B1B1
#CBCBCB
#E5E5E5
#FFFFFF

Tones

#4A4A4A
#525252
#595959
#616161
#696969
#717171
#787878
#808080

Hues

#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A

Charcoal Color Contrast

Check how readable text and graphics are against charcoal. Adjust the text and background colors to see the WCAG contrast score update in real time.

Text Color
#000000
Background Color
#4A4A4A
2.37Bad

High Contrast Sample Text

Strong color contrast improves legibility for everyone.

The Charcoal color with the hex code #4A4A4A is a deep gray shade that blends the strength of black with the softness of gray. It symbolizes sophistication, stability, professionalism, and balance while offering a modern and understated appearance. In color psychology, Charcoal #4A4A4A is often associated with reliability, confidence, maturity, and elegance, making it a versatile choice for timeless and refined designs.

Charcoal Color Harmonies

Ready-made color scheme combinations built around charcoal, from subtle analogous palettes to bold, high-contrast pairings.

Analogous

#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A

Complementary

#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A

Split Complementary

#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A

Triadic

#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A

Tetradic

#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A

Square

#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A
#4A4A4A

Charcoal Color Blindness Preview

See how charcoal is perceived by people with the most common color vision deficiencies.

Protanopia
#4A4A4A
Original
#4A4A4A
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
#4A4A4A
Original
#4A4A4A
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia
#4A4A4A
Original
#4A4A4A
Tritanopia
Achromatopsia
#4A4A4A
Original
#4A4A4A
Achromatopsia

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What colors go with Charcoal?

Charcoal pairs well with colors like white, cream, gold, navy blue, emerald green, blush pink, and light grey. These combinations complement the Charcoal color while creating modern, elegant, and balanced palettes. For a bolder contrast, it also works beautifully with mustard yellow or deep burgundy.

2. What colors make charcoal?

To make Charcoal, start with black and gradually mix in white until you achieve a deep gray shade. You can add a tiny touch of blue or brown to create cooler or warmer undertones. In digital design, the Charcoal color is represented by the hex code #4A4A4A.

3. What color is Charcoal?

Charcoal is a deep gray shade that sits between black and medium gray, offering a softer alternative to pure black. The Charcoal color is represented by the hex code #4A4A4A and is widely used for its neutral, versatile, and sophisticated appearance.

More Color Meanings