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Cerulean vs Cobalt

What's the difference? Side-by-side comparison with color codes, shades, and usage guide.

Cerulean#007BA7
Cobalt#0047AB
#007BA7Blended: #0061A9#0047AB
Quick Answer

Cerulean (#007BA7) and Cobalt (#0047AB) are similar colors often confused. They differ in brightness, saturation, and undertone, making each better suited for different design contexts.

Key Differences

Aspect Cerulean Cobalt
BrightnessDark — feels deep, rich, groundedLight — feels airy, bright, lively
SaturationMuted — more subdued, restrainedVivid — more colorful, eye-catching
WarmthCooler — leans more toward blueWarmer — leans slightly toward green
MoodSophisticated, calm, professionalPlayful, energetic, tropical
Best forCorporate branding, interiors, formal designSummer themes, jewelry, casual/fun design
CSS nameteal (built-in)turquoise (built-in)

Can you use them together?

Cobalt text on Cerulean
Cerulean text on Cobalt
Contrast Ratio:1.76:1Insufficient Contrast

When to use each

Use Cerulean for:
●Corporate websites and branding
●Elegant interior design
●Professional presentations
●Dark-mode friendly UI elements
●Formal event invitations
Use Cobalt for:
●Summer and tropical themes
●Children's products and toys
●Beach and travel branding
●Jewelry and gemstone marketing
●Bright, energetic social media posts

Full Color Details

Cerulean#007BA7

Teal is a deep blue-green color named after the Eurasian teal bird. It's widely used in web design, fashion, and interior decor for its calming, sophisticated quality.

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Cobalt#0047AB

Turquoise is a brighter, more vibrant blue-green named after the gemstone. It's lighter and more energetic than teal, evoking tropical waters, summer, and playfulness.

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FAQ

What is the difference between cerulean and cobalt?+
Cerulean (#007BA7) and Cobalt (#0047AB) are similar colors often confused. They differ in brightness, saturation, and undertone, making each better suited for different design contexts.
Is cerulean darker than cobalt?+
Yes. Cerulean (#007BA7) is significantly darker than Cobalt (#0047AB). Cerulean has a lightness of 33% in HSL, while Cobalt has 34% lightness.
Can you use cerulean and cobalt together?+
Yes, they can work well together in a monochromatic or analogous palette since they're both blue-green colors. Their contrast ratio is 1.76:1. Use cerulean as the dominant/darker color and cobalt as the accent or highlight.
What is the hex code for cerulean?+
The hex code for Cerulean is #007BA7. In RGB, that's rgb(0, 123, 167).
What is the hex code for cobalt?+
The hex code for Cobalt is #0047AB. In RGB, that's rgb(0, 71, 171).