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#D81E05

Brightness
120.3
HSL (°,%,%)
7°, 95%, 43%
HSV V %
85%
Lab
46.4, 67.1, 58.3
PNG size
6.1 KB
Tone / Feel
dark, intense warm hue
Black text 4.11:1 Fail (normal) · AA (large) (large)
White text 5.11:1 AA (normal) · AAA (large) (large)

Recommended text: White (5.11:1 — AA / AAA (large))

Color Profile: #D81E05

Common Name: Vivid Scarlet Red

Color Values:

  • RGB: (216, 30, 5)
  • HSL: ~8°, 96%, 44%

Contrast Ratio:

  • vs White: 4.8 (AA Fail for normal text, Pass for large text)
  • vs Black: 12.8 (AAA Pass)

Mood & Usage:

This bright scarlet red instantly grabs attention with its energetic and intense vibe. It evokes passion, urgency, and bold creativity—commonly used in arts and entertainment to stimulate excitement and action. Its popularity spans from visual branding to performance spaces where impact and visibility are critical.

Close Named Matches:

  • Signal Red (British Standard BS 381C) - #DD3420, ΔE=8.55
  • Salmon Red / Lobster (BS4800-5252) - #DC1E04, ΔE=1.75 (very close)
  • Poppy Red (BS 2660) - #C7361E, ΔE=15.83
  • Pantone Corazon (Pantone FHI) - #D22809, ΔE=4.39
  • Trumatch 6-a (TRUMATCH) - #E31C2A, ΔE=13.06

Why Designers Use It.

Designers choose #D81E05 because it’s a commanding, vivid red that performs strongly across various industries, especially in arts and entertainment, where it conveys intensity and passion. It’s frequently applied in theater lighting design, stage graphics, and promotional material to evoke immediate emotional response. This shade stands out in digital media for UI elements demanding attention or alert, and in physical branding for products related to energy, vitality, and creativity.

Its roots tie back to natural pigments such as cinnabar and certain iron oxides, historically prized for their brightness and longevity. Though not tied to a specific region, the color’s high visibility has made it a staple in global signage and warning systems. In textiles and fashion, this red is often linked to bold statement pieces and cultural symbolism around power and celebration. It maintains trendiness due to its timeless association with action and excitement, proving popular among designers aiming for impactful visual storytelling.

Palette neighbours