#A0A1A4 Hex Color

A steady and versatile mid-tone grey

Hex color #a0a1a4 graphic
This mid-tone grey serves as a steady, neutral base that avoids overwhelming the eye. Because the hex code #a0a1a4 provides an 8.1:1 contrast ratio against black, it works exceptionally well for readable body text or UI backgrounds. It lacks strong warm or cool undertones, making it a reliable choice for professional design projects where restraint is necessary.

Questions about #a0a1a4

What is #a0a1a4 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #a0a1a4 is rgb(160, 161, 164), in HSL hsl(225, 2%, 64%) and in CMYK 2%, 2%, 0%, 36%.
Why is #a0a1a4 an effective choice for text in UI design?
Because #a0a1a4 provides a strong 8.1:1 contrast ratio against black, it remains highly legible for body text while feeling softer and more refined than a stark, pure black. It keeps interface typography readable without causing eye fatigue during prolonged viewing.
What colors pair well with the neutral #a0a1a4?
This grey acts as a flexible anchor that works with almost any palette, though it looks particularly sophisticated alongside deep navy or muted burgundy accents. It creates a balanced, professional aesthetic when combined with high-contrast warm or cool primary tones.
Is #a0a1a4 readable on white or black?
#a0a1a4 has a 2.58:1 contrast ratio on white and 8.12:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it is too faint for text and on black it works for body text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.