#383736 Hex Color
A sophisticated and grounded charcoal alternative
This dark, grounded charcoal offers a sophisticated alternative to pure black. Because it lacks harsh saturation, #383736 works well as a dominant background for minimal UI or modern typography. It provides excellent contrast for white text, making it a functional choice for accessible interfaces. If you are curious about what colors make black, this hex code serves as a versatile, neutral anchor in any palette.
Questions about #383736
What is #383736 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #383736 is rgb(56, 55, 54), in HSL hsl(30, 2%, 22%) and in CMYK 0%, 2%, 4%, 78%. Browse more shades of black with names and hex codes.
Does #383736 work better than pure black for UI design?
Yes, #383736 creates a more comfortable viewing experience by reducing the high-contrast fatigue often caused by pure black backgrounds. It provides sufficient contrast for white text while maintaining a softer, more professional aesthetic that feels grounded and readable on modern screens.
What color schemes complement the grounded tone of #383736?
Because #383736 is a desaturated charcoal, it pairs beautifully with muted earth tones like olive or terracotta for a natural, organic palette. You can also anchor it with crisp white or soft cream for a clean, minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes typography.
Is #383736 readable on white or black?
#383736 has a 11.87:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.76:1 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.