Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) Color Meaning, Codes and Information

A complete guide to Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) covering color values, harmonies, shades, meaning, and practical uses across design, branding, and everyday visuals.

Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) Color Information

Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) RGB value is (196, 30, 58). The hex color red value is 196, green is 30, and blue is 58. Its HSL format shows a hue of 350°, saturation of 73%, and lightness of 44%, while the CMYK process values are 0%, 85%, 70%, and 23%.

Colors that pair well with Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) include Royal Fuchsia (#CA2C92), Burnt Caramel (#C46210), and Malachite (#0BDA51), as they maintain visual balance and harmony, whereas Harlequin Green (#46CB18), Persian Blue (#1C39BB), and Light Sea Green (#20B2AA) tend to conflict with this color due to strong contrast or opposing tonal characteristics.

Clear image showing Cardinal Red color swatch with hex value #C41E3A and RGB value (196,30,58)
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Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) Color Meaning

Cardinal Red (#C41E3A) is a rich, deep red with slight blue undertones, producing a refined, bold hue. Its name originates from the robes of Catholic cardinals, linking the color to authority, tradition, and ceremony. Historically, the shade conveyed prestige, religious significance, and disciplined power. Cardinal Red strikes a balance between vibrancy and sophistication, making it ideal for design, fashion, and heraldry. Symbolism of Cardinal Red (#C41E3A) centers on authority, commitment, and dignity. It conveys a controlled strength rather than impulsive energy. In interiors and fashion, Cardinal Red adds elegance and formality. Artists use it to evoke solemnity, prestige, or intensity without overwhelming a composition. Its richness allows pairing with golds, creams, and deep neutrals to create classic, timeless palettes. Across cultures, Cardinal Red (#C41E3A) retains ceremonial and prestigious associations. In European religious contexts, it represents leadership and devotion. In sports and education, the color often signifies distinction, honor, and loyalty. The shade continues to influence modern branding, institutional design, and high-fashion collections, blending historical gravitas with contemporary refinement.

Color Conversion

Accurate conversions of Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) across RGB, Hex, CMYK, HSL, and Lab ensure consistent color fidelity across digital, print, and design applications.

HEX
#c41e3a
RGB
rgb(196, 30, 58)
HSL
hsl(350°, 73%, 44%)
CMYK
cmyk(0%, 85%, 70%, 23%)
HSV
hsv(350°, 85%, 77%)
XYZ
23.9929 12.9698 5.2418
Yxy
12.9698 0.5685 0.3073
Hunter Lab
36.0136 3.9059 0.9426
CIE-Lab
42.7177 62.9050 28.4810

RGB Values & CMYK Values

Detailed RGB and CMYK values of Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) displayed in a horizontal bar provide clear reference for digital and print color accuracy.

RGB Channels

Red196 / 255 (77%)
77%
Green30 / 255 (12%)
12%
Blue58 / 255 (23%)
23%

CMYK Ink Density

Cyan0 / 100 (0%)
Magenta85 / 100 (85%)
85%
Yellow70 / 100 (70%)
70%
Key (Black)23 / 100 (23%)
23%

Color Variations

A full range of Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) variations, including tints, shades, and tones, provides highlights, depth, and subtle desaturated options for UI design.

Color Harmonies

Harmonious color schemes for Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) 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 Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) against standard backgrounds ensure readable, accessible text following Contrast Checker and WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA standards.

#FFFFFF
#c41e3a

Sample Text

This is how your text will look with these colors.

Large Text (18pt+)

5.84:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Normal Text

5.84:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

UI Components

5.84:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Color Blindness Simulator

Simulated views of Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) for different color vision deficiencies help identify potential confusion using the Color Blindness Simulator.

Normal Vision

Cardinal Red (#c41e3a)

protanopia

#7c7b33

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

CSS Examples

Background Color

background-color: #c41e3a;

Text Color

color: #c41e3a;

Sample Text

Border Color

border: 2px solid #c41e3a;

Box Shadow

box-shadow: 0 4px 6px #c41e3a40;

Text Shadow

text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px #c41e3a;

Sample Text

Gradient

background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c41e3a 0%, #741222 100%);

Seamless Patterns

High-resolution seamless patterns featuring Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) 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 Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) offers ready-to-use visuals for interfaces, designs, and creative projects.

Real-World Applications

Real-world mockups of Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) 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

Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) Color FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Cardinal Red (#c41e3a) color meaning, symbolism, and applications. Click on any question to expand detailed answers.