#050401 Hex Color

A dense soot black with somber undertones

Hex color #050401 graphic
#050401 is a near-black shade with strong, soot-like undertones that feel dense and somber. Because it sits at the extreme low end of the lightness spectrum, it works best as a moody background or a grounding accent for premium branding. This hex code provides high contrast for white text, making it a functional choice for dark mode UI interfaces where pure black feels too harsh or mechanical.

Questions about #050401

What is #050401 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #050401 is rgb(5, 4, 1), in HSL hsl(45, 67%, 1%) and in CMYK 0%, 20%, 80%, 98%.
Is #050401 better than pure black for web interfaces?
Yes, #050401 is often superior to pure black because its soot-like undertones reduce eye strain while maintaining deep contrast against white text. It provides a more natural, organic feel that looks less flat and mechanical on screen.
What colors pair best with #050401?
This dense shade pairs best with high-contrast neutrals like crisp whites or metallic silver for a luxury look. For softer combinations, try integrating muted earth tones like sand or slate to maintain the sophisticated, moody aesthetic without losing readability.
Is #050401 readable on white or black?
#050401 has a 20.50:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.02:1 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.