#484848 Hex Color

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Pig Iron color codes graphic
Pig Iron is a dark, dusty charcoal that provides a sturdy, neutral foundation for UI design. Because it offers a 9.1:1 contrast ratio against white, text remains highly legible. The hex code for this color is #484848. Use it as a softer alternative to pure black for backgrounds, or pair it with muted teals and soft terracotta to ground your color palette without appearing muddy.

Questions about Pig Iron

What is the hex code for Pig Iron?
Pig Iron is #484848. In RGB that is rgb(72, 72, 72), in HSL hsl(0, 0%, 28%) and in CMYK 0%, 0%, 0%, 72%.
How does Pig Iron #484848 compare to standard black?
Pig Iron #484848 acts as a softer, more approachable alternative to pure black because it retains a slight dustiness that reduces visual harshness on screens. It maintains excellent readability against white, making it perfect for body text and deep background elements.
Which color palettes work best with Pig Iron #484848?
This shade shines when paired with muted earthy tones like terracotta or desaturated teals to create a sophisticated, grounded aesthetic. These combinations avoid the muddy look that can occur when mixing dark grays with overly vibrant or neon primary colors.
Is Pig Iron readable on white or black?
Pig Iron has a 9.14:1 contrast ratio on white and 2.29:1 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.