Cerulean Blue

#2856BE

General Information about Cerulean Blue

Cerulean blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #2856BE, is a captivating and serene color often associated with the sky and sea. It is a medium-dark shade of blue that falls within the broader spectrum of cyan-blue hues. The name 'cerulean' is derived from the Latin word 'caeruleus,' meaning 'dark blue' or 'sky-blue.' This color is created by mixing blue with a hint of green, resulting in its distinct characteristics. In the RGB color model, #2856BE consists of 15.7% red, 33.73% green, and 74.51% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 79% cyan, 55% magenta, 0% yellow, and 25% black. Cerulean blue is frequently used in various design contexts, from web development to interior decoration, to evoke feelings of calmness, tranquility, and sophistication.

The hex color #2856BE, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as text against a white background, its contrast ratio may not meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for Level AA compliance, which requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text. Therefore, it's essential to pair this color with lighter backgrounds or use it for larger text elements where the contrast requirements are less stringent. For interactive elements like buttons, ensuring sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments. Consider using color contrast analyzers to verify compliance and explore alternative color combinations that offer better readability and usability for all users. When using this color, testing with various assistive technologies is important to ensure content is accessible. Using this color for decorative elements is fine, as long as these elements are not essential for understanding or using the website.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

RGB
40 86 190
RGB40 86 190
Red
Green
Blue
HSL
221.6deg 65.22% 45.1%
221.665.2245.1HSL
Hue
Saturation
Lightness
HWB
221.6deg 15.69% 25.49%
221.615.6925.49HWB
Hue
Whiteness
Blackness
hex#2856BE
rgb40 86 190
hsl221.6deg 65.22% 45.1%
cmyk78.95% 54.74% 0% 25.49%
hwb221.6deg 15.69% 25.49%
xyz-d650.13 0.11 0.5
oklch0.4846 0.1716 263.4
oklab0.4846 -0.02 -0.17
CMYK
78.95% 54.74% 0% 25.49%
78.9554.74025.49CMYK
Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Key
XYZ-d65
0.13 0.11 0.5
0.130.110.5XYZ
X
Y
Z
OKLCH
0.4846 0.1716 263.4
0.48460.1716263.4LCH
Lightness
Chroma
Hue
OKLAB
0.4846 -0.02 -0.17
0.4846-0.02-0.17LAB
Lightness
Green-Red
Blue-Yellow

Alternative colors

Applications

Complementary color

Buttons