#161512 Hex Color
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This near-black charcoal is extremely dark, offering a heavy, grounding alternative to pure black. Because #161512 has such low lightness, it works best as a moody background or for large typography where high contrast is needed. White text is exceptionally legible against this shade, with a 18.3:1 contrast ratio. Use this hex code when you want sophisticated depth without the harshness of a standard black.
Questions about #161512
What is #161512 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #161512 is rgb(22, 21, 18), in HSL hsl(45, 10%, 8%) and in CMYK 0%, 5%, 18%, 91%. Browse more shades of black with names and hex codes.
Is #161512 suitable for body text?
Yes, #161512 provides excellent readability against light backgrounds, making it a professional choice for primary text in interface design. Its 18.3:1 contrast ratio against white ensures clarity while maintaining a softer, less harsh visual experience than standard pitch black.
What colors pair best with #161512?
This deep charcoal works best with high-value neutrals like off-white or soft cream, creating a high-contrast foundation. To add warmth, layer in accents like terracotta or muted gold, which stand out sharply against this heavy, grounding backdrop.
Is #161512 readable on white or black?
#161512 has a 18.25:1 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.