Pale Cerulean

HEX: #9BC4E2 | Modern Palette

On White
1.84:1
FAIL
On Black
11.39:1
PASS

Color Specifications

HEX
#9BC4E2
RGB
155, 196, 226
HSL
205°, 31% ,88%
CMYK
31.42, 13.27, 0, 11.37

About Pale Cerulean

Pale Cerulean (#9BC4E2) is a color with RGB(155, 196, 226) and HSL(205.35°, 31.42%, 88.63%). In design, it fits Pastel, Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Background, Print. Its complementary color is #E2B99B, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #E29BC4 and #C4E29B. The name comes from Pale Cerulean (English).

  • HEX: #9BC4E2
  • RGB: 155, 196, 226
  • HSL: 205.35°, 31.42%, 88.63%
  • Style: Pastel, Cool
  • Use case: Text, Background, Print
  • Complementary color: #E2B99B
  • Triadic colors: #E29BC4, #C4E29B
  • The name comes from Pale Cerulean (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 #9BC4E2 from deepest shade to lightest tint.

Color Characteristics

Mood
Style
Pastel Cool
Use case
Text Background Print

Accessibility Simulation

Deuteranopia #B9B9E3
Protanopia #C0C0E2
Tritanopia #95C8C8
Achromatopsia #BFBFBF

Frequently Asked Questions

Pale Cerulean (#9BC4E2) is a color with RGB(155, 196, 226) and HSL(205.35°, 31.42%, 88.63%).

#9BC4E2 pairs strongly with #E2B99B as its complementary color. It can also be used with neutral tones for balanced UI and design layouts.

#9BC4E2 is suitable for Text, Background, Print and works well with Pastel, Cool styles.

The name Pale Cerulean is linked to Pale Cerulean from English, meaning A light, sky-blue color, often with a hint of grey or green..

Name, History & Etymology

Origin Word Pale Cerulean
Meaning A light, sky-blue color, often with a hint of grey or green.
Language English
First Recorded Use Late 18th to Early 19th Century (for 'cerulean' as a color name)

History

The word 'cerulean' itself comes from the Latin 'caeruleus', meaning 'dark blue, blue, or blue-green', which is related to 'caelum' (sky, heaven). It was used in ancient Rome to describe the color of the sky or sea. In English, 'cerulean' began to be used as a specific color name in the late 18th century. The addition of 'pale' is a common modifier to indicate a lighter tint of any given color. 'Pale Cerulean' specifically refers to a lighter, often softer, version of the vibrant blue associated with cerulean pigment, which historically was made from cobalt stannate.

First Recorded Use

While 'cerulean' as a color name dates back to the late 18th century, the specific compound 'pale cerulean' likely emerged as a descriptive term as color palettes became more nuanced and standardized, particularly in art and fashion, during the 19th century. It's difficult to pinpoint an exact 'first use' for such a descriptive compound, but its common usage would align with the broader adoption of 'cerulean'.

Cultural Associations

Cerulean, and by extension 'pale cerulean', often evokes feelings of calmness, serenity, and expansiveness, similar to a clear sky or tranquil water. It is frequently used in art to depict skies, oceans, and distant landscapes. In fashion and interior design, 'pale cerulean' can be seen as a sophisticated and soothing color, often associated with spring and summer palettes. It can also be linked to themes of clarity and purity.

Similar Named Colors
Baby Blue Eyes #A1CAF1 ΔE 3.24
Cornflower #9ACEEB ΔE 3.41
Light Cornflower Blue #93CCEA ΔE 3.74
Pale Cornflower Blue #ABCDEF ΔE 3.82

Code Snippets

/* Background */
.element {
    background-color: #9BC4E2;
}

/* Text */
.element {
    color: #9BC4E2;
}

/* Border */
.element {
    border: 1px solid #9BC4E2;
}

/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
    background: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        #9BC4E2,
        #EBE1D9
    );
}

/* Radial gradient */
.element {
    background: radial-gradient(
        circle,
        #9BC4E2,
        #EBE1D9
    );
}

// SCSS variable
$pale-cerulean: #9BC4E2;

// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$pale-cerulean-r: 155;
$pale-cerulean-g: 196;
$pale-cerulean-b: 226;

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