#373838 Hex Color
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This dark, ashy grey provides a grounded foundation for professional interfaces and typographic layouts. Because it carries significant depth, the hex code #373838 works best as a neutral background that avoids the harshness of pure black. It offers excellent legibility for white text, making it a reliable choice for long-form reading in dark mode designs.
Questions about #373838
What is #373838 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #373838 is rgb(55, 56, 56), in HSL hsl(180, 1%, 22%) and in CMYK 2%, 0%, 0%, 78%.
Why use #373838 instead of pure black for dark mode?
Pure black can cause eye strain due to extreme contrast, whereas #373838 acts as a softened, ashy alternative that retains deep character. It provides a more balanced aesthetic for long-form reading without sacrificing the authority of a dark color scheme.
What color palettes work best with #373838?
This dark grey pairs beautifully with high-contrast accent colors like mustard or terracotta for a modern, grounded feel. Its neutral, ashy tone also complements soft whites or muted beiges, keeping the overall design professional and easy on the eyes.
Is #373838 readable on white or black?
#373838 has a 11.76:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.78:1 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.