Slate
Online color picker to view shades, tints, color codes, and complementary colors
This dusty, muted slate sits between deep blue and cool grey. It delivers a serious, professional tone ideal for tech, finance, or security brands. Since it maintains a 6.1:1 contrast ratio against white text, it functions perfectly as a background for readable body copy. Use the hex code #516572 when you need a solid base that prioritizes clarity over visual noise.
Questions about Slate
What is the hex code for Slate?
Slate is #516572. In RGB that is rgb(81, 101, 114), in HSL hsl(204, 17%, 38%) and in CMYK 29%, 11%, 0%, 55%.
Which colors complement #516572 in a palette?
Because it sits between blue and grey, this shade pairs effectively with warm, desaturated neutrals like sand or soft terracotta. For a more tech-focused look, pair it with bright cyan accents to create a modern, high-contrast visual hierarchy.
Is Slate readable on white or black?
Slate has a 6.07:1 contrast ratio on white and 3.45:1 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 works only for large text (24px, or 18.5px bold). Try other pairs in the contrast checker.