Black
Black is pure black, the darkest possible color. Hex code #000000.
Color codes
- CSS name
black - HEX
#000000 - RGB
rgb(0 0 0) - HSL
hsl(0 0% 0%) - HSB / HSV
hsb(0, 0%, 0%) - OKLCH
oklch(0% 0 0) - CMYK
cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%)
White text
21.00:1 · passes WCAG AAA
Black text
1.00:1 · fails WCAG
Shades
Tones
About this color
Black in CSS and design
Black is pure black, the darkest possible color. Black is one of the 16 basic color keywords, which go back to HTML 4, long before CSS had 148 named colors.
Pure black text on pure white has the maximum contrast of 21:1. Many designs soften it slightly, for example to a very dark gray.
Use it in CSS by name or by any of its codes; these all give the same color:
color: black;
color: #000000;
color: rgb(0 0 0);
color: hsl(0 0% 0%);For text on black, white reads best. Check other combinations with the contrast checker, or browse all CSS color names.
More tools
Work with this color
- Color picker and converterPick a color and get HEX, RGB, HSL, HSB, CMYK and OKLCH, plus shades and harmonies.
- Contrast checkerCheck text and background colors against WCAG AA and AAA, and fix failing ones.
- CSS color namesAll 148 named colors with hex codes, shades, contrast and matching palettes.
- Palette generatorBuild a color palette from harmony rules, with shades and CSS variables.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hex code for black?
#000000. In CSS you can also use the keyword black, which works in every browser.
What is black in RGB and HSL?
In RGB it is rgb(0 0 0), in HSL hsl(0 0% 0%). For print, cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%) is a starting point, but CMYK depends on paper and ink, so check with your printer.
Should I use black or white text on black?
White text works better: it has a contrast ratio of 21.00:1 and passes WCAG AAA. Black text reaches 1.00:1.
Which colors go with black?
As a neutral, black goes with almost any color. It works well as a background, border or text color next to a vivid accent, and with the lighter and darker tones from its shades.