#383430 Hex Color
A grounded and sophisticated dark charcoal grey

A dark, ashy grey with strong neutral undertones, #383430 functions as a sophisticated, grounded base for moody interface design. It avoids the harshness of pure black while providing excellent contrast for white typography. If you are learning how to make black, this shade serves as a softer, more approachable alternative. Use the hex code #383430 for minimal backgrounds where a professional, stable appearance matters.
Questions about #383430
What is #383430 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #383430 is rgb(56, 52, 48), in HSL hsl(30, 8%, 20%) and in CMYK 0%, 7%, 14%, 78%.
Does #383430 read as a warm or cool neutral?
The #383430 hex color leans slightly warm due to its subtle brown and earthy undertones. Unlike a sterile blue-grey or cold slate, this shade feels grounded and organic, making it an excellent, softer alternative for backgrounds meant to feel professional yet approachable.
What colors pair well with #383430 for modern UI?
This deep grey pairs beautifully with crisp off-white or cream tones for high-contrast, readable text. For accents, consider using a soft terracotta or a muted gold, as these warmer hues complement the natural depth of #383430 without creating visual conflict.
Is #383430 readable on white or black?
#383430 has a 12.33:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.70:1 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.