USC Cardinal (#990000) Color Meaning, Codes and Information

A complete guide to USC Cardinal (#990000) covering color values, harmonies, shades, meaning, and practical uses across design, branding, and everyday visuals.

USC Cardinal (#990000) Color Information

USC Cardinal (#990000) RGB value is (153, 0, 0). The hex color red value is 153, green is 0, and blue is 0. Its HSL format shows a hue of 0°, saturation of 100%, and lightness of 30%, while the CMYK process values are 0%, 100%, 100%, and 40%.

Colors that pair well with USC Cardinal (#990000) include Pink Raspberry (#980036), Chocolate Brown (#964B00), and Spanish Green (#009150), as they maintain visual balance and harmony, whereas Islamic Green (#009000), Duke Blue (#00009C), and Viridian Green (#009698) tend to conflict with this color due to strong contrast or opposing tonal characteristics.

Clear image showing USC Cardinal color swatch with hex value #990000 and RGB value (153,0,0)
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USC Cardinal (#990000) Color Meaning

USC Cardinal (#990000) is a strong, dark red with a hint of brown, giving it a rich, grounding quality. Its depth conveys passion, authority, and historical significance. USC Cardinal (#990000) is tied to the University of Southern California, representing tradition, loyalty, and competitive spirit. The color communicates courage, power, and emotional intensity. USC Cardinal (#990000) attracts attention without overwhelming, balancing boldness with sophistication. It is widely used in banners, apparel, and official insignia, reinforcing institutional pride. Historically, red pigments like USC Cardinal (#990000) were created from iron oxides or cinnabar, resulting in durable, vivid tones. In global symbolism, deep reds denote energy, vitality, and courage. USC Cardinal (#990000) merges visual strength with cultural and academic heritage, making it both symbolic and practical in design.

Color Conversion

Accurate conversions of USC Cardinal (#990000) across RGB, Hex, CMYK, HSL, and Lab ensure consistent color fidelity across digital, print, and design applications.

HEX
#990000
RGB
rgb(153, 0, 0)
HSL
hsl(0°, 100%, 30%)
CMYK
cmyk(0%, 100%, 100%, 40%)
HSV
hsv(0°, 100%, 60%)
XYZ
13.1369 6.7723 0.6148
Yxy
6.7723 0.6401 0.3300
Hunter Lab
26.0236 1.6210 0.5185
CIE-Lab
31.2828 54.7109 45.1422

RGB Values & CMYK Values

Detailed RGB and CMYK values of USC Cardinal (#990000) displayed in a horizontal bar provide clear reference for digital and print color accuracy.

RGB Channels

Red153 / 255 (60%)
60%
Green0 / 255 (0%)
Blue0 / 255 (0%)

CMYK Ink Density

Cyan0 / 100 (0%)
Magenta100 / 100 (100%)
100%
Yellow100 / 100 (100%)
100%
Key (Black)40 / 100 (40%)
40%

Color Variations

A full range of USC Cardinal (#990000) variations, including tints, shades, and tones, provides highlights, depth, and subtle desaturated options for UI design.

Color Harmonies

Harmonious color schemes for USC Cardinal (#990000) created using the color wheel ensure visually balanced palettes.

Analogous

Colors adjacent on the color wheel (30° apart)

Complementary

Colors opposite on the color wheel (180° apart)

Split Complementary

Three colors using one base hue and the two hues beside its opposite

Triadic

Three colors evenly spaced (120° apart)

Tetradic

Four colors forming a rectangle on the wheel

Square

Four colors evenly spaced (90° apart)

Double Split Complementary

Four colors formed from two base hues and the colors next to their opposites

Monochromatic

Variations of a single hue

Contrast Checker (WCAG)

Luminance contrast ratios for USC Cardinal (#990000) against standard backgrounds ensure readable, accessible text following Contrast Checker and WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA standards.

#FFFFFF
#990000

Sample Text

This is how your text will look with these colors.

Large Text (18pt+)

8.92:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Normal Text

8.92:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

UI Components

8.92:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Color Blindness Simulator

Simulated views of USC Cardinal (#990000) for different color vision deficiencies help identify potential confusion using the Color Blindness Simulator.

Normal Vision

USC Cardinal (#990000)

protanopia

#575500

Note: These simulations are approximations. Actual color vision deficiency varies by individual.

CSS Examples

Background Color

background-color: #990000;

Text Color

color: #990000;

Sample Text

Border Color

border: 2px solid #990000;

Box Shadow

box-shadow: 0 4px 6px #99000040;

Text Shadow

text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px #990000;

Sample Text

Gradient

background: linear-gradient(135deg, #990000 0%, #5f0000 100%);

Seamless Patterns

High-resolution seamless patterns featuring USC Cardinal (#990000) provide ready-to-use backgrounds, wallpapers, and print designs for any project.

Diagonal Stripes
Polka Dots
Chevron
Diamond Grid
Hexagon
Waves
Crosshatch
Zigzag
Brick Wall
Triangles
Circles Grid
Herringbone

Icons

A collection of popular icons in USC Cardinal (#990000) offers ready-to-use visuals for interfaces, designs, and creative projects.

Real-World Applications

Real-world mockups of USC Cardinal (#990000) showcase its versatility across fashion, interiors, branding, and product packaging.

Fashion
Colored T-Shirt
Fashion
Baseball Cap
Interior
Living Room
Exterior
Office Complex
BRAND
Brands
Aluminum Can
Vehicle
Glossy Sportscar
Brands
Shopping Bag
Interior
Matte Wall
Brands
Flagship Phone

Useful Color Tools

A curated set of tools to help apply, analyze, and manage colors effectively in your projects

USC Cardinal (#990000) Color FAQs

Frequently asked questions about USC Cardinal (#990000) color meaning, symbolism, and applications. Click on any question to expand detailed answers.