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Gray vs Ash

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

Gray#808080
Ash#B2BEB5
#808080Blended: #999F9B#B2BEB5
Quick Answer

Gray and Ash are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Gray (#808080) and Ash (#B2BEB5) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.

Key Differences

Aspect Gray Ash
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?

Ash text on Gray
Gray text on Ash
Contrast Ratio:2.05:1Insufficient Contrast

When to use each

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

Gray#808080

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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Ash#B2BEB5

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 gray and ash?+
Gray and Ash are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Gray (#808080) and Ash (#B2BEB5) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.
Is gray darker than ash?+
Yes. Gray (#808080) is significantly darker than Ash (#B2BEB5). Gray has a lightness of 50% in HSL, while Ash has 72% lightness.
Can you use gray and ash together?+
Yes, they can work well together in a monochromatic or analogous palette since they're both blue-green colors. Their contrast ratio is 2.05:1. Use gray as the dominant/darker color and ash as the accent or highlight.
What is the hex code for gray?+
The hex code for Gray is #808080. In RGB, that's rgb(128, 128, 128).
What is the hex code for ash?+
The hex code for Ash is #B2BEB5. In RGB, that's rgb(178, 190, 181).