#040509 Hex Color
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#040509 is an extremely dark, ashy black that mimics the softness of soot. Because it lacks the harsh intensity of pure black, this hex code serves well as a base for dark mode interfaces. It provides excellent readability for white text with a 20.4:1 contrast ratio. Use it to ground premium branding when you want a moody, authoritative look that avoids feeling flat.
Questions about #040509
What is #040509 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #040509 is rgb(4, 5, 9), in HSL hsl(228, 38%, 3%) and in CMYK 56%, 44%, 0%, 96%.
Is #040509 better for UI design than pure black?
#040509 is significantly easier on the eyes for extended reading because it lacks the harsh, vibrating intensity of pure black. Using this softer, ashy tone reduces eye strain while maintaining a clean, professional aesthetic for modern digital interfaces.
What colors pair well with #040509?
Is #040509 readable on white or black?
#040509 has a 20.37:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.03:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works for body text and on black it is too faint for text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.