#868B8E Hex Color
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This ashy grey sits firmly in the middle value range, offering a stable and restrained presence. With a contrast ratio of 6.1:1 against black, it provides excellent readability for UI text. The hex code #868b8e excels as a supporting background, allowing brighter accent colors to pop without overwhelming the layout. It feels professional and practical, making it a reliable choice for modern, minimal interfaces.
Questions about #868b8e
What is #868b8e in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #868b8e is rgb(134, 139, 142), in HSL hsl(203, 3%, 54%) and in CMYK 6%, 2%, 0%, 44%.
Why is #868b8e considered a good choice for interface design?
This ashy grey works well because it sits in the middle value range, providing readability against black text while remaining subtle enough to act as a supportive background in modern, minimal interfaces. It creates a stable, professional look without overwhelming the user.
Which accent colors pair effectively with #868b8e?
As a neutral, #868b8e pairs beautifully with vibrant accent colors that need room to breathe. High-contrast colors like electric blue or soft, muted tones like sage green create visual interest without clashing against this restrained, ashy base.
Is #868b8e readable on white or black?
#868b8e has a 3.44:1 contrast ratio on white and 6.09:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works only for large text (24px, or 18.5px bold) and on black it works for body text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.