Gold Color: HEX Code, RGB and Meaning
Gold is a deep, warm yellow, the color of the metal and a shorthand for richness and celebration.
HEX is one common value Last updated:
#FFD700rgb(255, 215, 0)hsl(51, 100%, 50%)cmyk(0%, 16%, 100%, 0%)Color definitions vary by source. The HEX above is one common value for "gold" from the open color-name-list dataset, not an official standard. CMYK is a simple conversion; printed results depend on ink and paper.
What gold means
Gold is almost always read as valuable. It signals achievement, prosperity and ceremony, which is why it appears on medals, trophies and invitations. Warmer and heavier than yellow, it feels more mature and less playful.
A caution for screens: real gold gets its look from reflection and shine, which a flat color cannot copy. The swatch shown here is a bright yellow-gold, a useful stand-in but not a substitute for metal.
Tints and shades of gold
Lighter tints are made by mixing with white and darker shades by mixing with black. Click a swatch to copy its HEX.
Gold 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 gold
- Navy Blue (#000080): A traditional, authoritative duo.
- Black (#000000): Luxe and dramatic.
- Forest Green (#154406): Rich and heritage-like.
- Ivory (#FFFFF0): Soft and elegant for invitations and stationery.
Similar named colors
Where gold is used
- Fashion. Gold appears in jewelry, buttons and trims, and in lamé and metallic fabrics for evening wear. A little goes a long way; too much can tip into costume.
- Interiors. Gold accents in frames, lamps and hardware add warmth, particularly against deep blues, greens and black. Matte, brushed finishes look more modern than high-gloss ones.
- Branding. Premium, financial, hospitality and celebration brands use gold to imply quality. It works best when used sparingly against a dark or neutral field.
Gold vs bronze
Bronze is a browner, duller relative of gold. Gold is bright and golden-yellow; bronze is deeper and more earthy.
On a podium the difference is rank, but in design it is mostly warmth and weight. Gold feels celebratory, bronze feels classic and grounded.
Frequently asked questions
What color is gold?
A warm, deep yellow, often with a slight orange tint. The metal can also look pale, pinkish or greenish depending on its alloy.
Can a screen show metallic gold?
Not really. A screen shows a flat color, so metallic effects have to be suggested with gradients and highlights.
What does gold symbolize?
Wealth, success, celebration and quality are the most common associations.
What goes with gold?
Navy, black, deep green and ivory are strong partners.