#686266 Hex Color
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This dusty, mid-tone grey sits firmly in the neutral camp without feeling cold. As a hex code, #686266 works well as a grounding background or text color for interfaces. It provides excellent contrast for white text, offering a solid 6.0:1 ratio. Because of its muted character, it pairs best with soft pastels or vibrant accent colors to keep designs from feeling flat.
Questions about #686266
What is #686266 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #686266 is rgb(104, 98, 102), in HSL hsl(320, 3%, 40%) and in CMYK 0%, 6%, 2%, 59%.
Does #686266 work well as a primary text color?
Yes, #686266 provides excellent readability against light backgrounds, offering a professional, softer alternative to pure black. It maintains a strong contrast ratio for accessibility while reducing eye strain during long-form reading on digital screens and interface designs.
What colors pair best with #686266?
Because #686266 acts as a stable neutral, it pairs beautifully with vibrant accent colors like terracotta or soft pastels. Combining it with muted earth tones creates a sophisticated, cohesive palette that feels grounded without appearing flat or overly clinical.
Is #686266 readable on white or black?
#686266 has a 5.95:1 contrast ratio on white and 3.52:1 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.