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Gray vs Charcoal

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

Gray#808080
Charcoal#36454F
#808080Blended: #5B6368#36454F
Quick Answer

Gray and Charcoal are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Gray (#808080) and Charcoal (#36454F) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.

Key Differences

Aspect Gray Charcoal
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?

Charcoal text on Gray
Gray text on Charcoal
Contrast Ratio:2.51:1Insufficient 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 Charcoal 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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Charcoal#36454F

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 charcoal?+
Gray and Charcoal are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Gray (#808080) and Charcoal (#36454F) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.
Is gray darker than charcoal?+
Yes. Gray (#808080) is significantly darker than Charcoal (#36454F). Gray has a lightness of 50% in HSL, while Charcoal has 26% lightness.
Can you use gray and charcoal together?+
Yes, they can work well together in a monochromatic or analogous palette since they're both blue-green colors. Their contrast ratio is 2.51:1. Use gray as the dominant/darker color and charcoal 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 charcoal?+
The hex code for Charcoal is #36454F. In RGB, that's rgb(54, 69, 79).