#151516 Hex Color
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#151516 is a near-black shade that functions as a professional, grounding base. Because it sits so close to black, it provides a softer, less harsh alternative for modern UI backgrounds and typography. Use this hex code to establish high-contrast layouts, though be mindful that it requires bright white text to maintain WCAG legibility. It anchors minimalist designs without feeling aggressive or cold.
Questions about #151516
What is #151516 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #151516 is rgb(21, 21, 22), in HSL hsl(240, 2%, 8%) and in CMYK 5%, 5%, 0%, 91%.
Where should I use #151516 in my design?
Use #151516 as a softer alternative to standard black for UI backgrounds or deep footer sections. It provides a more organic, grounded feel than pitch black, effectively anchoring minimalist designs without appearing aggressive or creating harsh visual strain for your viewers.
Is #151516 readable on white or black?
#151516 has a 18.24:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.15:1 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.