KU Crimson

HEX: #E8000D | Modern Palette

On White
4.73:1
PASS
On Black
4.44:1
FAIL

Color Specifications

HEX
#E8000D
RGB
232, 0, 13
HSL
356°, 100% ,45%
CMYK
0, 100, 94, 9

About KU Crimson

KU Crimson (#E8000D) is a color with RGB(232, 0, 13) and HSL(356.6°, 100%, 45.5%). It is commonly associated with Energetic, Bold moods. In design, it fits Vivid, Warm styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Accent. Its complementary color is #00E8DB, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #0DE800 and #000DE8. The name comes from Crimson (English).

  • HEX: #E8000D
  • RGB: 232, 0, 13
  • HSL: 356.6°, 100%, 45.5%
  • Mood: Energetic, Bold
  • Style: Vivid, Warm
  • Use case: Text, Button, Accent
  • Complementary color: #00E8DB
  • Triadic colors: #0DE800, #000DE8
  • The name comes from Crimson (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 #E8000D from deepest shade to lightest tint.

Color Characteristics

Mood
Energetic Bold
Style
Vivid Warm
Use case
Text Button Accent

Accessibility Simulation

Deuteranopia #858500
Protanopia #545415
Tritanopia #E80202
Achromatopsia #737373

Frequently Asked Questions

KU Crimson (#E8000D) is a color with RGB(232, 0, 13) and HSL(356.6°, 100%, 45.5%).

#E8000D pairs strongly with #00E8DB as its complementary color. It can also be used with neutral tones for balanced UI and design layouts.

#E8000D is suitable for Text, Button, Accent and works well with Vivid, Warm styles.

#E8000D is commonly associated with Energetic, Bold.

The name KU Crimson is linked to Crimson from English, meaning A rich deep red tending to purple..

Name, History & Etymology

Origin Word Crimson
Meaning A rich deep red tending to purple.
Language English
First Recorded Use Late 19th Century

History

The selection of crimson and blue for the University of Kansas (KU) has a specific origin story. In 1890, a committee was formed to choose official colors. One popular account attributes the choice to two students: George Penny and William Johnson. Penny, a Harvard graduate, suggested crimson, while Johnson, a Yale graduate, suggested blue. The combination was approved, and the specific shade of crimson, often referred to as 'KU Crimson' or 'Jayhawk Crimson,' has become a strong identifier for the university. It is prominently featured in the university's athletic teams (the Jayhawks), academic regalia, and branding.

First Recorded Use

The University of Kansas officially adopted crimson and blue as its colors in 1890.

Cultural Associations

KU Crimson is deeply ingrained in the identity of the University of Kansas. It is a symbol of school spirit, pride, and tradition. Fans of the KU Jayhawks sports teams are often seen wearing crimson apparel. The color is synonymous with the university's athletic success, particularly in basketball. Beyond sports, it represents the academic excellence and history of the institution. The phrase 'Rock Chalk Jayhawk, KU!' is often chanted, with crimson being a visual representation of the 'KU' identity.

Similar Named Colors
Lust #E62020 ΔE 2.35
Red (pigment) #ED1C24 ΔE 3.47
Vermilion #D9381E ΔE 3.54
Vivid Red #F70D1A ΔE 3.71

Code Snippets

/* Background */
.element {
    background-color: #E8000D;
}

/* Text */
.element {
    color: #E8000D;
}

/* Border */
.element {
    border: 1px solid #E8000D;
}

/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
    background: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        #E8000D,
        #00E8DB
    );
}

/* Radial gradient */
.element {
    background: radial-gradient(
        circle,
        #E8000D,
        #00E8DB
    );
}

// SCSS variable
$ku-crimson: #E8000D;

// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$ku-crimson-r: 232;
$ku-crimson-g: 0;
$ku-crimson-b: 13;

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