Orange (#ffa500) Color Meaning, Codes and Information

A complete guide to Orange (#ffa500) covering color values, harmonies, shades, meaning, and practical uses across design, branding, and everyday visuals.

Orange (#ffa500) Color Information

Orange (#ffa500) RGB value is (255, 165, 0). The hex color red value is 255, green is 165, and blue is 0. Its HSL format shows a hue of 39°, saturation of 100%, and lightness of 50%, while the CMYK process values are 0%, 35%, 100%, and 0%.

Colors that pair well with Orange (#ffa500) include Scarlet Fire (#FF2400), Lime Yellow (#DFFF00), and Vivid Sky Blue (#00CCFF), as they maintain visual balance and harmony, whereas Tropical Mint (#00FFBF), Vivid Violet (#9F00FF), and Blue (RYB) (#0247FE) tend to conflict with this color due to strong contrast or opposing tonal characteristics.

Clear image showing Orange color swatch with hex value #FFA500 and RGB value (255,165,0)
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Orange (#ffa500) Color Meaning

Orange (#FFA500) is a pure, classic orange with balanced red and yellow undertones. It belongs to the iconic orange family and conveys warmth, energy, and friendliness. Designers often use Orange in branding, interiors, and fashion to evoke vitality, creativity, and cheerful engagement. Its balanced tone makes it versatile for both bold accents and subtle highlights. Historically, Orange (#FFA500) has been associated with citrus fruits, harvests, and warmth across cultures. In art, textiles, and decorative design, it symbolizes life, enthusiasm, and abundance. Its universal recognition makes it a staple in festive, modern, and traditional applications alike. Orange (#FFA500) symbolizes energy, enthusiasm, and warmth. Across cultures, classic orange evokes vitality, creativity, and joy. Its visual effect is stimulating yet approachable, making it suitable for lively and engaging designs. Interestingly, Orange pairs beautifully with navy blue, soft browns, or creams, creating visually appealing and balanced compositions.

Color Conversion

Accurate conversions of Orange (#ffa500) across RGB, Hex, CMYK, HSL, and Lab ensure consistent color fidelity across digital, print, and design applications.

HEX
#ffa500
RGB
rgb(255, 165, 0)
HSL
hsl(39°, 100%, 50%)
CMYK
cmyk(0%, 35%, 100%, 0%)
HSV
hsv(39°, 100%, 100%)
XYZ
54.6951 48.1703 6.4150
Yxy
48.1703 0.5005 0.4408
Hunter Lab
69.4048 5.7497 9.4174
CIE-Lab
74.9322 23.9360 78.9563

RGB Values & CMYK Values

Detailed RGB and CMYK values of Orange (#ffa500) displayed in a horizontal bar provide clear reference for digital and print color accuracy.

RGB Channels

Red255 / 255 (100%)
100%
Green165 / 255 (65%)
65%
Blue0 / 255 (0%)

CMYK Ink Density

Cyan0 / 100 (0%)
Magenta35 / 100 (35%)
35%
Yellow100 / 100 (100%)
100%
Key (Black)0 / 100 (0%)

Color Variations

A full range of Orange (#ffa500) variations, including tints, shades, and tones, provides highlights, depth, and subtle desaturated options for UI design.

Color Harmonies

Harmonious color schemes for Orange (#ffa500) 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 Orange (#ffa500) against standard backgrounds ensure readable, accessible text following Contrast Checker and WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA standards.

#FFFFFF
#ffa500

Sample Text

This is how your text will look with these colors.

Large Text (18pt+)

1.97:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Normal Text

1.97:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

UI Components

1.97:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Color Blindness Simulator

Simulated views of Orange (#ffa500) for different color vision deficiencies help identify potential confusion using the Color Blindness Simulator.

Normal Vision

Orange (#ffa500)

protanopia

#d8d728

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

CSS Examples

Background Color

background-color: #ffa500;

Text Color

color: #ffa500;

Sample Text

Border Color

border: 2px solid #ffa500;

Box Shadow

box-shadow: 0 4px 6px #ffa50040;

Text Shadow

text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px #ffa500;

Sample Text

Gradient

background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffa500 0%, #976200 100%);

Seamless Patterns

High-resolution seamless patterns featuring Orange (#ffa500) 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 Orange (#ffa500) offers ready-to-use visuals for interfaces, designs, and creative projects.

Real-World Applications

Real-world mockups of Orange (#ffa500) 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

Orange (#ffa500) Color FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Orange (#ffa500) color meaning, symbolism, and applications. Click on any question to expand detailed answers.