#212021 Hex Color
Online color picker to view shades, tints, color codes, and complementary colors
This near-black, neutral grey serves as a softer alternative to pure black for dark mode interfaces. It provides a stable, professional backdrop that feels less harsh on the eyes. Because it offers a 16.2:1 contrast ratio against white text, it maintains perfect accessibility for body copy. Use this hex code #212021 as a dominant base when you need a moody yet legible foundation for modern minimal design.
Questions about #212021
What is #212021 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #212021 is rgb(33, 32, 33), in HSL hsl(300, 2%, 13%) and in CMYK 0%, 3%, 0%, 87%.
Why use #212021 instead of pure black?
Using #212021 creates a softer, more sophisticated look that feels less harsh on the eyes during prolonged screen use. Pure black can create too much contrast with white text, whereas this near-black grey maintains perfect readability while feeling more natural.
What colors pair well with #212021 for a professional interface?
This neutral base pairs perfectly with high-contrast accent colors like electric blue or soft sage to create visual interest. Because #212021 is so muted, it acts as a stable foundation that allows brighter, bolder interface elements to stand out without competing.
Is #212021 readable on white or black?
#212021 has a 16.23:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.29:1 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.