Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) Color Meaning, Codes and Information

A complete guide to Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) covering color values, harmonies, shades, meaning, and practical uses across design, branding, and everyday visuals.

Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) Color Information

Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) RGB value is (163, 193, 173). The hex color red value is 163, green is 193, and blue is 173. Its HSL format shows a hue of 140°, saturation of 19%, and lightness of 70%, while the CMYK process values are 16%, 0%, 10%, and 24%.

Colors that pair well with Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) include Laurel Green (#A9BA9D), Lilac (#C8A2C8), and Dusty Rose (#C9A9A6), as they maintain visual balance and harmony, whereas Pastel Purple (#B39EB5), and Silver Pink (#C4AEAD) tend to conflict with this color due to strong contrast or opposing tonal characteristics.

Clear image showing Cambridge Blue color swatch with hex value #A3C1AD and RGB value (163,193,173)
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Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) Color Meaning

Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) is a soft, pale green with muted gray undertones. It conveys calm, refinement, and intellectual clarity. The color is gentle yet distinctive, often associated with tradition, education, and thoughtful composure. Shades like Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) are linked to collegiate traditions, appearing in uniforms, insignias, and ceremonial decoration. Its muted green-gray tone symbolizes balance, scholarship, and subtle prestige. Across design, pale greens have represented serenity, renewal, and understated elegance, bridging calmness with visual sophistication. In modern contexts, Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) is popular in interiors, branding, and academic-inspired design. Its soft presence promotes clarity, composure, and trustworthiness. The color harmonizes with a wide range of palettes, providing a gentle yet confident visual identity that blends tradition with modern refinement.

Color Conversion

Accurate conversions of Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) across RGB, Hex, CMYK, HSL, and Lab ensure consistent color fidelity across digital, print, and design applications.

HEX
#a3c1ad
RGB
rgb(163, 193, 173)
HSL
hsl(140°, 19%, 70%)
CMYK
cmyk(16%, 0%, 10%, 24%)
HSV
hsv(140°, 16%, 76%)
XYZ
41.7170 48.9436 46.7835
Yxy
48.9436 0.3035 0.3561
Hunter Lab
69.9597 -3.1236 1.3420
CIE-Lab
75.4162 -14.0546 6.6962

RGB Values & CMYK Values

Detailed RGB and CMYK values of Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) displayed in a horizontal bar provide clear reference for digital and print color accuracy.

RGB Channels

Red163 / 255 (64%)
64%
Green193 / 255 (76%)
76%
Blue173 / 255 (68%)
68%

CMYK Ink Density

Cyan16 / 100 (16%)
16%
Magenta0 / 100 (0%)
Yellow10 / 100 (10%)
Key (Black)24 / 100 (24%)
24%

Color Variations

A full range of Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) variations, including tints, shades, and tones, provides highlights, depth, and subtle desaturated options for UI design.

Color Harmonies

Harmonious color schemes for Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) 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 Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) against standard backgrounds ensure readable, accessible text following Contrast Checker and WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA standards.

#FFFFFF
#a3c1ad

Sample Text

This is how your text will look with these colors.

Large Text (18pt+)

1.95:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Normal Text

1.95:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

UI Components

1.95:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Color Blindness Simulator

Simulated views of Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) for different color vision deficiencies help identify potential confusion using the Color Blindness Simulator.

Normal Vision

Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad)

protanopia

#b0b0b2

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

CSS Examples

Background Color

background-color: #a3c1ad;

Text Color

color: #a3c1ad;

Sample Text

Border Color

border: 2px solid #a3c1ad;

Box Shadow

box-shadow: 0 4px 6px #a3c1ad40;

Text Shadow

text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px #a3c1ad;

Sample Text

Gradient

background: linear-gradient(135deg, #a3c1ad 0%, #547b61 100%);

Seamless Patterns

High-resolution seamless patterns featuring Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) 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 Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) offers ready-to-use visuals for interfaces, designs, and creative projects.

Real-World Applications

Real-world mockups of Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) 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

Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) Color FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Cambridge Blue (#a3c1ad) color meaning, symbolism, and applications. Click on any question to expand detailed answers.