#555959 Hex Color
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#555959 is a muted, desaturated grey with subtle greenish undertones. Because it balances neutrality with enough depth to avoid looking flat, it functions well as a stable background color for minimalist interfaces. Use white text over this hex code for optimal readability, as it maintains a strong 7.1:1 contrast ratio. It pairs effectively with brighter accent colors to prevent a somber or dusty appearance in UI designs.
Questions about #555959
What is #555959 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #555959 is rgb(85, 89, 89), in HSL hsl(180, 2%, 34%) and in CMYK 4%, 0%, 0%, 65%.
What colors pair best with #555959 for interface design?
This muted grey functions best when paired with high-contrast accent colors like bright blue or coral to prevent a dull appearance. These vibrant tones provide a necessary visual pop against the stable, greenish-grey base of #555959.
Is #555959 suitable for large blocks of text?
Yes, #555959 maintains a strong 7.1:1 contrast ratio against white backgrounds, making it an excellent, softer alternative to pure black for readable typography. It reduces eye strain while ensuring all UI text remains fully accessible.
Is #555959 readable on white or black?
#555959 has a 7.09:1 contrast ratio on white and 2.95:1 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.