Gray vs Slate Gray

What is the difference between Gray and Slate Gray?

Comparing Gray (#808080) and Slate Gray (#708090) reveals interesting optical contrasts. Slate Gray stands out as the more vivid and colorful shade of the two. There is virtually no difference in brightness between these two tones. With a substantial hue separation of 210°, they yield a striking offset.

Design recommendations for Gray vs Slate Gray

Integrating Gray and Slate Gray requires balancing dark and light elements. Utilize the depth of Gray to provide strong contrast and visual structure, and pair it with Slate Gray on card backgrounds or subtle link accents to keep the user interface fresh and readable.

Readability & Contrast Testing

Visual test showing black and white text overlay readability on both colors.

Gray Typography

Preview of dark and light text elements rendered over a solid Gray background canvas.

White Text: 3.95:1 Black Text: 5.32:1

Slate Gray Typography

Preview of dark and light text elements rendered over a solid Slate Gray background canvas.

White Text: 4.05:1 Black Text: 5.18:1

Technical Specifications Comparison

Format / Value Gray Slate Gray Delta / Difference
HEX Code #808080 #708090 -
RGB Channels rgb(128, 128, 128) rgb(112, 128, 144) R:-16 | G:0 | B:+16
HSL Values hsl(0°, 0%, 50%) hsl(210°, 13%, 50%) H:+210° | S:+13% | L:0%
CMYK (Print) cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 50%) cmyk(22%, 11%, 0%, 44%) -

Individual Color References

Gray Reference Sheet HEX, RGB, HSL and print codes
Slate Gray Reference Sheet HEX, RGB, HSL and print codes
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