Salmon Color: HEX Code, RGB and Meaning

Salmon is a soft orange-pink, a muted warm color that blends the softness of pink with the warmth of orange.

HEX is one common value Last updated:

Salmon#FF796C
HEX#FF796C
RGBrgb(255, 121, 108)
HSLhsl(5, 100%, 71%)
CMYKcmyk(0%, 53%, 58%, 0%)

Color definitions vary by source. The HEX above is one common value for "salmon" from the open color-name-list dataset, not an official standard. CMYK is a simple conversion; printed results depend on ink and paper.

What salmon means

Salmon is gentle and warm. It carries enough orange to feel friendly and enough pink to feel soft, so it often reads as relaxed, sociable and slightly retro.

It is one of the more flexible warm colors: light enough to use on large surfaces, but with enough saturation to be noticed.

Tints and shades of salmon

Lighter tints are made by mixing with white and darker shades by mixing with black. Click a swatch to copy its HEX.

Salmon 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 salmon

  • Navy Blue (#000080): A classic contrast that keeps salmon grown-up.
  • Olive (#808010): An earthy, balanced partner.
  • Light Grey (#D8DCD6): Calm and modern.
  • Teal (#008080): A cool, sophisticated opposite.

Similar named colors

Hipster Salmon#FD7C6E
Smoked Salmon#FA8072
Peachy Pinky#FF775E
Embarrassment#FF7777
Salmon Sashimi#FF7E79
Sparkling Cosmo#F9736E

Where salmon is used

  • Fashion. Salmon appears in polo shirts, chinos, silk and knitwear. It is one of the easier ways to wear a pink tone, since it looks less sweet than pure pink.
  • Interiors. On walls and soft furnishings, salmon gives a sunset warmth that suits dining rooms and bedrooms. It works well with neutrals and wood.
  • Branding. Food, wellness and editorial brands use salmon for warmth and approachability.

Salmon vs peach

Salmon#FF796C
Peach#FFB07C

Peach is lighter and yellower; salmon is deeper and pinker. Salmon has a stronger, more flushed look, while peach is sunnier and creamier.

In this dataset salmon is also more saturated than peach. If you want a color that glows, pick salmon; for something softer, peach.

Frequently asked questions

What color is salmon?

An orange-pink, lighter than coral and warmer than most pinks.

Is salmon pink or orange?

A blend of both. It leans pink in some versions and orange in others.

What goes with salmon?

Navy, olive, gray and teal are reliable pairings.

Is salmon a warm color?

Yes, its orange base keeps it on the warm side.

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