Black color: code #000000

Black

#000000

Color codes

  • HEX#000000
  • RGBrgb(0, 0, 0)
  • HSLhsl(0, 0%, 0%)
  • HSVhsv(0, 0%, 0%)
  • CMYKcmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%)
  • LABlab(0% 0 0)
  • OKLCHoklch(0% 0 0)

About the color Black

Black has the HEX code #000000, which corresponds to rgb(0, 0, 0) in the RGB model. On the color wheel its hue sits at 0°, with 0% saturation and 0% lightness (hsl(0, 0%, 0%)).

With very low saturation (or extreme lightness) it works as a neutral, easy to pair with almost any other color.

As a background it calls for light text: white reaches a 21.00:1 contrast ratio on it, versus 1.00:1 for black.

For print, the approximate conversion is cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%). Always confirm with your printer’s color profile, because the result depends on paper and ink.

Lighter tints

Darker shades

Color combinations with Black

Complementary

#000000 · #000000

Analogous

#000000 · #000000 · #000000

Triadic

#000000 · #000000 · #000000

Tetradic

#000000 · #000000 · #000000 · #000000

Split-complementary

#000000 · #000000 · #000000

Monochromatic

#000000 · #000000 · #000000 · #262626 · #4D4D4D

Black with white and black text

White text Aa Bb Cc 123
21.00:1 · AAA
Black text Aa Bb Cc 123
1.00:1 · fails WCAG

Test other pairs in the contrast checker

Black: sophistication, mourning and neutrality

Technically, #000000 is the absence of light on a screen. Culturally, black carries meanings that nearly contradict each other. Across much of the West it is the color of mourning and formal occasions, and also of effortless style: the little black dress is a wardrobe staple and “black tie” needs no explanation. In other cultures, white is the color of mourning, a reminder that these readings depend on context. In design, black usually signals authority, luxury and seriousness, which is why it shows up so often in fashion, premium tech and spirits branding.

Black on screen

Maximum contrast, with caveats

Black on white gives 21:1, the highest contrast possible. In long passages, though, that extreme can feel harsh, and many sites set body copy in a very dark gray instead. Compare options with the contrast checker.

Dark mode

Pure black backgrounds flatten shadows and elevation, and white text on them can appear to shimmer for some readers. That's why many dark themes use surfaces around #121212 and save true black for OLED screens, where it switches pixels off.

Black in print

This is where most mistakes happen. Black made only with K ink (cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%)) looks washed out across large areas. For solid backgrounds, printers often recommend a rich black such as C60 M40 Y40 K100. For small type and hairlines, stick to K100 alone: with four inks, any registration shift makes letters look fuzzy. Check with your print shop before sending files; the RGB vs CMYK guide explains why.

What to pair it with

Black flatters almost any color, but a few pairings are especially strong:

  1. White (#FFFFFF): the definitive graphic contrast.
  2. Gold (#FFD700): instant luxury, common on labels and invitations.
  3. Red (#FF0000): energy and urgency, great for posters.
  4. Silver (#C0C0C0): a cool, technical look typical of electronics.

How to use it in CSS

:root {
  --color-black: #000000;
  --color-black-rgb: 0, 0, 0;
}

.elemento {
  background-color: var(--color-black);
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

Similar colors

Use Black in our tools