Psychology
Blue is the world's most-preferred color across age, gender, and culture. It lowers heart rate, conveys stability and trust, and reads as professional almost regardless of context.
Meaning
Trust, authority, and depth — which is why it anchors finance, healthcare, government, and big-tech logos. Lighter blues feel airy and aspirational; navy and midnight feel established.
Applications
Foundational for SaaS, fintech, and enterprise interfaces. Mix with warm accents to avoid the corporate-blue trap of looking like every competitor.
Conversion
HEX
496A80
RGB
73, 106, 128
HSL
204, 27%, 39%
HSB
204, 43%, 50%
CMYK
43, 17, 0, 50
LAB
43, -8, -16
LCH
43, 18, 245
OKLCH
0.51, 0.05, 238
XYZ
12, 13, 22
LUV
43, -16, -21
HWB
204, 29%, 50%
Pantone
Cool Gray 11 C
Harmonies
Shades & tints
Similar named colors
Browse every named gray on shades of gray, or all families on colors.