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Steel Blue

#538DA0

A balanced, moderate steel blue — sophisticated balance of hue and saturation that conveys composure and subtle refinement, well-suited to modern, minimalist design.

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
538DA0
RGB
83, 141, 160
HSL
195, 32%, 48%
HSB
195, 48%, 63%
CMYK
48, 12, 0, 37
LAB
55, -16, -16
LCH
55, 23, 226
OKLCH
0.61, 0.07, 221
XYZ
19, 23, 37
LUV
55, -26, -22
HWB
195, 33%, 37%
Pantone
7717 C

Harmonies

Analogous
Complementary
Split Complementary
Triadic
Tetradic
Square

Shades & tints

Similar named colors

Browse every named blue on shades of blue, or all families on colors.