Cambridge Blue

HEX: #A3C1AD | Modern Palette

On White
1.95:1
FAIL
On Black
10.79:1
PASS

Color Specifications

HEX
#A3C1AD
RGB
163, 193, 173
HSL
140°, 19% ,69%
CMYK
16, 0, 10, 24

About Cambridge Blue

Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) is a color with RGB(163, 193, 173) and HSL(140°, 19.5%, 69.8%). It is commonly associated with Calm moods. In design, it fits Muted, Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Background, Border. Its complementary color is #C1A3B7, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #ADA3C1 and #C1ADA3. The name comes from Cambridge Blue (English).

  • HEX: #A3C1AD
  • RGB: 163, 193, 173
  • HSL: 140°, 19.5%, 69.8%
  • Mood: Calm
  • Style: Muted, Cool
  • Use case: Text, Background, Border
  • Complementary color: #C1A3B7
  • Triadic colors: #ADA3C1, #C1ADA3
  • The name comes from Cambridge Blue (English).

Live Components

LIGHT
DARK
System Notification Box

Color Palettes

Monochromatic Five tones of the same hue — a reliable scale for backgrounds, surfaces, and text.
Neutral + Accent Four near-neutral tones grounded by a saturated accent — clean and versatile for UI.
Analogous Five hues drifting across a 60° arc — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
3 + 1 + 1 Three analogous base colors, one complementary accent, one dark anchor — bold yet balanced.

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 #A3C1AD from deepest shade to lightest tint.

Color Characteristics

Mood
Calm
Style
Muted Cool
Use case
Text Background Border

Accessibility Simulation

Deuteranopia #B9B9AE
Protanopia #BEBEAD
Tritanopia #A6BFBF
Achromatopsia #BABABA

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) is a color with RGB(163, 193, 173) and HSL(140°, 19.5%, 69.8%).

#A3C1AD pairs strongly with #C1A3B7 as its complementary color. It can also be used with neutral tones for balanced UI and design layouts.

#A3C1AD is suitable for Text, Background, Border and works well with Muted, Cool styles.

#A3C1AD is commonly associated with Calm.

The name Cambridge Blue is linked to Cambridge Blue from English, meaning A specific shade of light blue associated with the University of Cambridge..

Name, History & Etymology

Origin Word Cambridge Blue
Meaning A specific shade of light blue associated with the University of Cambridge.
Language English
First Recorded Use Late 19th Century

History

The use of specific colors to represent universities and colleges became common in the 19th century. For Cambridge, a light blue was adopted, distinguishing it from Oxford's darker blue. This color became iconic through events like The Boat Race (first held in 1829, but colors became more formalized later). The precise shade has varied slightly over time and across different university societies, but 'Cambridge Blue' generally refers to the lighter, often greenish-blue hue. It is distinct from 'Oxford Blue'.

First Recorded Use

The exact first documented use of the term 'Cambridge Blue' to refer to this specific color is difficult to pinpoint, but its association with the University of Cambridge's sporting colors solidified in the late 19th century, particularly with the Boat Race.

Cultural Associations

Cambridge Blue is deeply ingrained in the identity of the University of Cambridge. It is used in university branding, sports kits, academic regalia (for certain degrees or positions), and merchandise. It symbolizes academic excellence, tradition, and sporting rivalry (especially with Oxford). The color evokes a sense of prestige and history. It is also sometimes used more broadly in design to convey a sense of classic British elegance or academic association.

Similar Named Colors
Laurel Green #A9BA9D ΔE 5.27
Eton Blue #96C8A2 ΔE 6.67
Ash Grey #B2BEB5 ΔE 7.45
Turquoise Green #A0D6B4 ΔE 7.51

Code Snippets

/* Background */
.element {
    background-color: #A3C1AD;
}

/* Text */
.element {
    color: #A3C1AD;
}

/* Border */
.element {
    border: 1px solid #A3C1AD;
}

/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
    background: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        #A3C1AD,
        #C1A3B7
    );
}

/* Radial gradient */
.element {
    background: radial-gradient(
        circle,
        #A3C1AD,
        #C1A3B7
    );
}

// SCSS variable
$cambridge-blue: #A3C1AD;

// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$cambridge-blue-r: 163;
$cambridge-blue-g: 193;
$cambridge-blue-b: 173;

// Usage
.element {
    background-color: $cambridge-blue;
    color: rgba($cambridge-blue-r, $cambridge-blue-g, $cambridge-blue-b, 0.8);
}