#242424 Hex Color
Modern charcoal grey with matte depth

#242424 is a near-black, charcoal grey that serves as an excellent alternative to pure black in interface design. Because it feels softer and less jarring, it works well as a base for dark mode backgrounds while maintaining high legibility for white text. Its neutral, matte character pairs perfectly with high-saturation accent colors to create a modern, minimal aesthetic. The hex code for this dark grey is #242424.
Questions about #242424
What is #242424 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #242424 is rgb(36, 36, 36), in HSL hsl(0, 0%, 14%) and in CMYK 0%, 0%, 0%, 86%.
Is #242424 a good alternative for pure black in web design?
Yes, #242424 is highly recommended for interface backgrounds because it reduces eye strain and harsh contrast compared to true black. This near-black charcoal maintains readability while feeling less jarring, making it the industry standard for modern dark mode layouts.
Which accent colors work best with #242424?
High-saturation colors pop vibrantly against the muted, neutral base of #242424. For a professional look, pair this dark shade with a crisp white or a bold electric blue to create significant visual impact and clear hierarchy.
Is #242424 readable on white or black?
#242424 has a 15.52:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.35:1 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.