Carolina Blue
HEX: #56A0D3 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#56A0D3
86, 160, 211
204°, 59% ,82%
59.24, 24.17, 0, 17.25
About Carolina Blue
Carolina Blue (#56A0D3) is a color with RGB(86, 160, 211) and HSL(204.48°, 59.24%, 82.75%). In design, it fits Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Background. Its complementary color is #D38956, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #D356A0 and #A0D356. The name comes from Carolina Blue (English).
- HEX: #56A0D3
- RGB: 86, 160, 211
- HSL: 204.48°, 59.24%, 82.75%
- Style: Cool
- Use case: Text, Button, Background
- Complementary color: #D38956
- Triadic colors: #D356A0, #A0D356
- The name comes from Carolina Blue (English).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Color Harmonies
Complementary
The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Triadic
Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.
Split-Complementary
Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.
Tetradic (Square)
Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.
Monochromatic
Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.
Shades & Tints
A seamless scale of #56A0D3 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Color Characteristics
Accessibility Simulation
#8F8FD4
#9A9AD3
#41A8A8
#999999
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
The color light blue, paired with white, was adopted as the official color of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1889. The choice was inspired by the colors of the Philanthropic and Dialectic Societies, two prominent student literary societies at the university, which used light blue and white respectively. Over the decades, this specific shade of light blue became known colloquially and then officially as 'Carolina Blue.' It is deeply ingrained in the university's identity, appearing on athletic uniforms, merchandise, and branding. The hex code #56a0d3 is one of the commonly accepted digital representations of this color.
First Recorded Use
The exact first documented use of the term 'Carolina Blue' to refer to the specific shade is difficult to pinpoint precisely, but the color itself became associated with the university in the late 19th century. Early references to the university's colors often mentioned 'light blue' or 'sky blue' alongside white. The specific 'Carolina Blue' designation solidified over time.
Cultural Associations
Carolina Blue is an iconic color in American collegiate sports and culture, particularly in the state of North Carolina. It is synonymous with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and its athletic teams, the Tar Heels. The color evokes strong loyalty and pride among alumni, students, and fans. It is a central element in the fierce rivalry between UNC and Duke University, whose primary color is a darker blue. The term 'Carolina Blue' is widely recognized even outside of direct university affiliation due to the prominence of UNC's athletic programs, especially its basketball team.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #56A0D3;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #56A0D3;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #56A0D3;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#56A0D3,
#EDCEB9
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#56A0D3,
#EDCEB9
);
}// SCSS variable
$carolina-blue: #56A0D3;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$carolina-blue-r: 86;
$carolina-blue-g: 160;
$carolina-blue-b: 211;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $carolina-blue;
color: rgba($carolina-blue-r, $carolina-blue-g, $carolina-blue-b, 0.8);
}