Home /Compare /Charcoal vs Off Black

Charcoal vs Off Black

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

Charcoal#36454F
Off Black#1C1C1C
#36454FBlended: #293136#1C1C1C
Quick Answer

Charcoal and Off Black are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Charcoal (#36454F) and Off Black (#1C1C1C) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.

Key Differences

Aspect Charcoal Off Black
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?

Off Black text on Charcoal
Charcoal text on Off Black
Contrast Ratio:1.72:1Insufficient Contrast

When to use each

Use Charcoal for:
●Corporate websites and branding
●Elegant interior design
●Professional presentations
●Dark-mode friendly UI elements
●Formal event invitations
Use Off Black 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

Charcoal#36454F

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.

HEX
RGB
HSL
HSV
CMYK
Shades
Tints
Off Black#1C1C1C

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.

HEX
RGB
HSL
HSV
CMYK
Shades
Tints

More color comparisons

AquavsCyanNavyvsRoyal BlueSagevsMintBeigevsCreamBurgundyvsMaroonLilacvsLavender

FAQ

What is the difference between charcoal and off black?+
Charcoal and Off Black are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Charcoal (#36454F) and Off Black (#1C1C1C) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.
Is charcoal darker than off black?+
Yes. Charcoal (#36454F) is significantly darker than Off Black (#1C1C1C). Charcoal has a lightness of 26% in HSL, while Off Black has 11% lightness.
Can you use charcoal and off black together?+
Yes, they can work well together in a monochromatic or analogous palette since they're both blue-green colors. Their contrast ratio is 1.72:1. Use charcoal as the dominant/darker color and off black as the accent or highlight.
What is the hex code for charcoal?+
The hex code for Charcoal is #36454F. In RGB, that's rgb(54, 69, 79).
What is the hex code for off black?+
The hex code for Off Black is #1C1C1C. In RGB, that's rgb(28, 28, 28).