The main difference between Cobalt and Electric Blue is hue — Cobalt is a cool blue, while Electric Blue is a cool cyan. Cobalt and Electric Blue are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Cobalt (#0047AB) and Electric Blue (#7DF9FF) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.
Four real design scenarios, with the recommended pick based on hue, saturation, and WCAG contrast.
Cobalt is more saturated (100% HSL vs 100%) so it reads as bolder and more memorable at logo scale, while Electric Blue can feel washed out when printed small.
Cobalt hits a 8.44:1 WCAG contrast against white — safer for text-heavy interfaces — where Electric Blue only reaches 1.25:1 and risks failing AA at small body sizes.
Electric Blue is a cool-leaning tone that flatters spring/summer collections and warmer skin undertones, while Cobalt leans cooler and is better suited to autumn/winter layering.
Cobalt is the more muted of the two (100% saturation) and sits more calmly on large wall surfaces, while Electric Blue's higher chroma can overwhelm a room when used beyond accent pieces.
Cobalt (#0047AB) is a dark, vivid blue with a cool undertone — it feels rich, serious, substantial and bright, energetic, eye-catching.
Electric Blue (#7DF9FF) is a light, vivid cyan with a cool undertone — it feels airy, soft, approachable and bright, energetic, eye-catching.
Text legibility depends on the contrast ratio between foreground and background. WCAG 2.1 AA requires at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text; AAA requires 7:1. Use these numbers to choose accessible combinations for your design.