Dark Olive Green

HEX: #556B2F | Modern Palette

On White
5.95:1
PASS
On Black
3.53:1
FAIL

Color Specifications

HEX
#556B2F
RGB
85, 107, 47
HSL
82°, 56% ,41%
CMYK
20.56, 0, 56.07, 58.04

About Dark Olive Green

Dark Olive Green (#556B2F) is a color with RGB(85, 107, 47) and HSL(82°, 56.07%, 41.96%). In design, it is suitable for Text, Button, Logo. Its complementary color is #452F6B, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #2F556B and #6B2F55. The name comes from Dark Olive Green (English).

  • HEX: #556B2F
  • RGB: 85, 107, 47
  • HSL: 82°, 56.07%, 41.96%
  • Use case: Text, Button, Logo
  • Complementary color: #452F6B
  • Triadic colors: #2F556B, #6B2F55
  • The name comes from Dark Olive Green (English).

Live Components

LIGHT
DARK
System Notification Box

Color Palettes

Monochromatic Five tones of the same hue — a reliable scale for backgrounds, surfaces, and text.
Neutral + Accent Four near-neutral tones grounded by a saturated accent — clean and versatile for UI.
Analogous Five hues drifting across a 60° arc — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
3 + 1 + 1 Three analogous base colors, one complementary accent, one dark anchor — bold yet balanced.

Color Harmonies

Complementary

The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.

Analogous

Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

Triadic

Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.

Split-Complementary

Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.

Tetradic (Square)

Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.

Monochromatic

Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.

Shades & Tints

A seamless scale of #556B2F from deepest shade to lightest tint.

Color Characteristics

Mood
Style
Use case
Text Button Logo

Accessibility Simulation

Deuteranopia #656530
Protanopia #69692F
Tritanopia #5C6666
Achromatopsia #646464

Frequently Asked Questions

Dark Olive Green (#556B2F) is a color with RGB(85, 107, 47) and HSL(82°, 56.07%, 41.96%).

#556B2F pairs strongly with #452F6B as its complementary color. It can also be used with neutral tones for balanced UI and design layouts.

#556B2F is suitable for Text, Button, Logo.

The name Dark Olive Green is linked to Dark Olive Green from English, meaning A deep, muted shade of green with a yellowish-brown tint, reminiscent of ripe olives..

Name, History & Etymology

Origin Word Dark Olive Green
Meaning A deep, muted shade of green with a yellowish-brown tint, reminiscent of ripe olives.
Language English
First Recorded Use Late 19th - Early 20th Century (as a specific color name)

History

The color 'olive' itself has ancient roots, referring to the fruit of the olive tree. As a color name, 'olive green' emerged to describe the characteristic greenish-brown hue. The addition of 'dark' specifies a deeper, less vibrant version of this color. It has been widely used in military uniforms (e.g., olive drab), camouflage, outdoor gear, and fashion due to its earthy, subdued, and practical qualities. Its association with nature and utility is strong.

First Recorded Use

While 'olive green' has existed longer, the specific descriptor 'dark olive green' likely gained prominence as color naming became more precise, particularly in fashion, military, and art contexts. Exact first use is hard to pinpoint, but the late 19th to early 20th century saw a rise in such specific color nomenclature.

Cultural Associations

Dark olive green is often associated with nature, the military, practicality, and ruggedness. In fashion, it can evoke a sense of sophistication, earthiness, or a utilitarian chic. It's a versatile neutral that pairs well with many other colors. It's also commonly seen in home decor, reflecting a desire for natural tones and a calming atmosphere. Its military connection can also give it connotations of strength and resilience.

Similar Named Colors

Dark Moss Green #4A5D23 ΔE 4.85
Fern Green #4F7942 ΔE 6.63
Sap Green #507D2A ΔE 7.42
Army Green #4B5320 ΔE 8.54

Code Snippets

/* Background */
.element {
    background-color: #556B2F;
}

/* Text */
.element {
    color: #556B2F;
}

/* Border */
.element {
    border: 1px solid #556B2F;
}

/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
    background: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        #556B2F,
        #5B2FA7
    );
}

/* Radial gradient */
.element {
    background: radial-gradient(
        circle,
        #556B2F,
        #5B2FA7
    );
}

// SCSS variable
$dark-olive-green: #556B2F;

// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$dark-olive-green-r: 85;
$dark-olive-green-g: 107;
$dark-olive-green-b: 47;

// Usage
.element {
    background-color: $dark-olive-green;
    color: rgba($dark-olive-green-r, $dark-olive-green-g, $dark-olive-green-b, 0.8);
}