Olive Color: HEX Code, RGB and Meaning
Olive is a muted, yellowish green with brown and gray in it, like the leaves and fruit of the olive tree.
HEX is one common value Last updated:
#808010rgb(128, 128, 16)hsl(60, 78%, 28%)cmyk(0%, 0%, 88%, 50%)Color definitions vary by source. The HEX above is one common value for "olive" from the open color-name-list dataset, not an official standard. CMYK is a simple conversion; printed results depend on ink and paper.
What olive means
Olive is a calm, earthy green that feels natural and settled. It has an association with peace and with the outdoors, and it also carries a utilitarian edge from its use in uniforms and field wear.
Because it is muted, olive works as a neutral. It rarely clashes with other colors and makes brighter shades look more refined.
Tints and shades of olive
Lighter tints are made by mixing with white and darker shades by mixing with black. Click a swatch to copy its HEX.
Olive 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 olive
- Cream (#FFFFC2): A light base that keeps olive gentle.
- Burnt Orange (#CC5500): A warm autumn pairing.
- Pink (#FFC0CB): Surprisingly modern and soft.
- Charcoal (#343837): Grounded and understated.
Similar named colors
Where olive is used
- Fashion. Olive is an easy substitute for navy or black in jackets, trousers and utility wear. It combines well with cream, camel and denim.
- Interiors. Painted walls or velvet upholstery in olive create a warm, grounded space that goes well with wood and brass.
- Branding. Outdoor, food and sustainability brands use olive to look natural and trustworthy.
Olive vs forest green
Forest green is deep and dark, a green with very little light in it. Olive is lighter, duller and yellower.
In this dataset the olive is a slightly bright, olive-yellow green, while the forest green is a very dark green. Olive is more versatile in daylight, while forest green is richer and moodier.
Frequently asked questions
What color is olive?
A dull, yellowish green, between green and brown.
What two colors make olive?
Mix green and brown, or yellow, black and a little blue. Adjust until it looks muted rather than bright.
Is olive a neutral color?
Practically speaking, yes. It is muted enough to match many other colors.
What goes with olive?
Cream, burnt orange, pink and charcoal all look good.