Blue Color: HEX Code, RGB and Meaning
Blue is the cool color of open sky and deep water, a primary color that tends to feel calm and dependable.
HEX is one common value Last updated:
#0000FFrgb(0, 0, 255)hsl(240, 100%, 50%)cmyk(100%, 100%, 0%, 0%)Color definitions vary by source. The HEX above is one common value for "blue" from the open color-name-list dataset, not an official standard. CMYK is a simple conversion; printed results depend on ink and paper.
What blue means
Blue is the color people most often connect with trust and calm. It recedes visually, so it makes spaces feel open and quiet, and it has an association with stability and clarity that other hues rarely match.
It also has a cold side. Pale blues can feel distant or sad, and strong electric blue is energetic and technical. Lighter tints soothe; deep blues carry authority.
Tints and shades of blue
Lighter tints are made by mixing with white and darker shades by mixing with black. Click a swatch to copy its HEX.
Blue color palettes
Complementary
Two colors opposite each other on the color wheel: the strongest contrast.
Analogous
Three neighbors on the wheel: a smooth, low-contrast scheme.
Triadic
Three colors evenly spaced around the wheel: lively but balanced.
Colors that go with blue
- White (#FFFFFF): Clean and fresh, the classic nautical pair.
- Tan (#D1B26F): Warm neutrals balance blue's coolness.
- Coral (#FF7F50): A lively warm accent.
- Gold (#FFD700): Gives blue a rich, traditional edge.
Similar named colors
Where blue is used
- Fashion. Blue is a wardrobe backbone, from denim to navy suiting, and almost any other color sits comfortably next to it. Bright cobalt-type blues are a bold alternative to black.
- Interiors. Pale blues make small rooms feel airy; deeper blues create a cocooning mood. Blue is widely chosen for bathrooms and bedrooms where calm matters.
- Branding. Banks, software and healthcare brands favor blue to convey reliability. The pure blue shown here is the most saturated version a screen can produce.
Blue vs navy
Navy is blue with most of the light taken out. It reads as nearly black in dim light, while blue keeps its color in any lighting.
Use blue when you want energy and visibility, and navy when you want formality. Navy is also far more forgiving as a large surface.
Frequently asked questions
Why is blue considered calming?
It is tied to sky and water, and it is a cool color that seems to recede. Studies on color and mood are mixed, so treat this as a common association rather than a guarantee.
What two colors make blue?
Blue is a primary color in both traditional painting and screen light, so it cannot be made from other colors.
Is blue a warm or cool color?
Cool. It is the standard example of a cool color alongside green and violet.
What colors go with blue?
White, tan, gray and gold are safe. For contrast, add orange or coral.