Orange Color: HEX Code, RGB and Meaning
Orange is a bright, friendly color that sits between red and yellow on the color wheel.
HEX is one common value Last updated:
#FFA500rgb(255, 165, 0)hsl(39, 100%, 50%)cmyk(0%, 35%, 100%, 0%)Color definitions vary by source. The HEX above is one common value for "orange" from the open color-name-list dataset, not an official standard. CMYK is a simple conversion; printed results depend on ink and paper.
What orange means
Orange borrows the energy of red and the cheer of yellow, then drops the aggression of one and the fragility of the other. The result tends to feel playful, sociable and active. It is the color of citrus, sunsets and autumn leaves, so it also carries a sense of warmth and appetite.
It is hard to ignore without being as alarming as red, which is why it is chosen for things that need to be seen but not feared: safety gear, signs and call-to-action buttons.
Tints and shades of orange
Lighter tints are made by mixing with white and darker shades by mixing with black. Click a swatch to copy its HEX.
Orange 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 orange
- Navy Blue (#000080): The opposite of orange on the wheel, so the contrast is crisp.
- Cream (#FFFFC2): Softens orange and keeps it light.
- Teal (#008080): A cooler, more sophisticated contrast.
- Charcoal (#343837): Makes bright orange feel modern.
Similar named colors
Where orange is used
- Fashion. Orange is a summer and festival color, and a single piece such as a jacket or bag can lift a neutral outfit. Burnt and rust oranges are better suited to autumn tailoring.
- Interiors. A touch of orange in cushions, ceramics or a chair warms a cool room quickly. As wall paint it is strong, so many people choose softer terracotta-leaning versions.
- Branding. Orange suits brands that want to feel approachable and energetic, including food, tech startups, sport and children's products.
Orange vs coral
Coral has pink in it; orange does not. Place them side by side and coral looks softer and more flushed, while orange looks cleaner and more citrus-like.
Because coral leans toward red-pink, it pairs more easily with blues and neutrals. Orange is a stronger statement and often needs more careful balancing.
Frequently asked questions
What two colors make orange?
Mixing red and yellow gives orange. More yellow makes it lighter and sunnier; more red makes it deeper and warmer.
What does orange symbolize?
Common associations are enthusiasm, creativity, warmth and sociability. As with any color, these are cultural leanings rather than fixed meanings.
Is orange a good color for a website button?
It often works well because it stands out against blue and white backgrounds. Check text contrast, since white text on bright orange can be hard to read.
What colors go with orange?
Deep blue, teal, cream and charcoal all work. Brown and olive give a more natural, earthy version.