#454545
- RGB
- 69, 69, 69
- Brightness
- 69.0
- HSL (°,%,%)
- 0°, 0%, 27%
- HSV V %
- 27%
- Lab
- 29.3, 0.0, 0.0
- CMYK (%)
- 0%, 0%, 0%, 73%
- PNG size
- 4.2 KB
- Tone / Feel
- dark, muted warm hue
Black text
2.19:1
Fail (normal) · Fail (large)
White text
9.59:1
AAA (normal) · AAA (large)
Recommended text: White (9.59:1 — AAA / AAA)
Color Profile: #454545
Common Name: Graphite Grey
RGB: 69, 69, 69
HSL: ~0°, 0%, 27%
Contrast Ratio:
Against White: 7.0:1 — Passes AA & AAA
Against Black: 1.0:1 — Fails (too close)
Mood & Usage:
This solid, neutral graphite grey evokes a calm, grounded feeling. It often signals stability and professionalism, making it popular in modern visual art and design where subtlety and sophistication are prized. It leans toward a minimalist and timeless aesthetic, frequently found in contemporary gallery branding, industrial design, and digital interfaces emphasizing clarity without distraction.
Notable Named Matches:
- Australian Standard AS2700 – GRAPHITE GREY (#45484A), ΔE=2.11
- Jotun paint – Tar (#46494A), ΔE=2.07
- Behr paint – Oil Shale (#444545), ΔE=0.45
- Dunn-Edwards – Black Tie (#464647), ΔE=0.79
- Pantone FHI – Bristol Black (#474445), ΔE=1.49
Why Designers Use It:
- This graphite grey serves as a perfect anchor tone — neither harsh nor overly warm — that blends well with both cool and warm palettes, offering excellent versatility.
- Its balanced neutrality is ideal for visual art & design projects needing a stable base or background that does not compete for attention but subtly enhances other colors.
- Common in industrial and product design, the color mirrors natural materials like graphite mineral and slate stone, giving designs a grounded, tactile feel linked to earth and metal.
- In digital interfaces and print, it supports readability and reduces eye strain, which is why it’s often chosen for text, icons, and UI elements over pure black.
- The color's steady, professional vibe appeals to corporate and creative sectors alike, bridging conservative and modern aesthetics effortlessly.
- Regionally, graphite greys have strong ties in Australian and British paint standards, reflecting their architectural and industrial histories.
- While not flashy or trendy in a pop culture sense, it remains a quiet staple in design systems, particularly in high-end branding, galleries, and editorial layouts.