Dark Blue #00008B
Dark blue, as the CSS color #00008B, is a deep, fully saturated blue with no red or green in its mix. It is very dark and cool, close to navy but marginally brighter. It looks serious and steady, like deep water at dusk or the cover of an official report.
#00008B is the CSS named color darkblue. It is only slightly lighter than CSS navy (#000080), so the two are interchangeable in most designs.
| HEX | #00008B | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | rgb(0, 0, 139) | |
| HSL | hsl(240, 100%, 27%) | |
| HSV | hsv(240, 100%, 55%) | |
| CMYK | cmyk(100%, 100%, 0%, 45%) |
Text on Dark Blue
White text reads better on Dark Blue. Ratios use the WCAG 2 formula: 4.5:1 passes AA for body text, 3:1 passes for large text.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Colors that go with Dark Blue
Dark Blue tints and shades
Tints mix Dark Blue with white, shades mix it with black, in 15% steps. Copy any code, or open the tint and shade generator for a full scale.
Tints
Shades
Dark Blue color schemes
Color-wheel harmonies built by rotating the hue of #00008B and keeping its saturation and lightness.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split complementary
Tetradic
Dark Blue color meaning
Dark blue tends to communicate depth and composure. It shares navy's reputation for reliability and adds a little more saturation, which can make it feel richer on screen. Organizations that want to look credible, such as banks, public institutions, and universities, often reach for this end of the blue range.
There is a long sporting tradition behind the name in Britain, where 'the Dark Blues' refers to Oxford and its athletes, while Cambridge are the Light Blues. Some football clubs also use the nickname.
Like other dark blues, it reads as calm, and it rarely feels gloomy. It is less final than black and less cheerful than mid blues, which makes it a common choice for evening wear, book covers, and anything that should feel thoughtful.
How to use Dark Blue in design
White and pale text read clearly on dark blue, so it works for headers, footers, and full-bleed panels. Because #00008B is so saturated, large areas can feel intense on bright screens; a slightly grayer navy is easier for long reading sessions. Avoid placing purple or mid-blue links on it, since they get lost; use white, pale yellow, or light cyan for links instead.
As a text color on white, it is a gentle swap for black. In print and fashion, dark blue pairs naturally with orange, silver, and white.
Palettes with Dark Blue tones
Curated palettes with a color close to #00008B.
Colors similar to Dark Blue
Work with Dark Blue
Dark Blue FAQ
Is dark blue the same as navy blue?
Almost. In CSS, dark blue is #00008B and navy is #000080, so dark blue is only slightly lighter. Both are pure blue at low brightness. In everyday speech, people use them interchangeably, though 'navy' usually implies clothing and uniforms while 'dark blue' is a general description.
What colors go well with dark blue?
Orange and gold give the strongest contrast because they sit opposite blue on the color wheel. White, silver, and light gray keep things clean and formal. For a softer scheme, try blush pink or sky blue, and for autumn palettes, mustard and rust both work well beside it.