Columbia Blue

HEX: #C4D8E2 | Modern Palette

On White
1.47:1
FAIL
On Black
14.27:1
PASS

Color Specifications

HEX
#C4D8E2
RGB
196, 216, 226
HSL
200°, 13% ,88%
CMYK
13.27, 4.42, 0, 11.37

About Columbia Blue

Columbia Blue (#C4D8E2) is a color with RGB(196, 216, 226) and HSL(200°, 13.27%, 88.63%). It is commonly associated with Minimal moods. In design, it fits Pastel, Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Background, Print. Its complementary color is #E2CEC4, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #E2C4D8 and #D8E2C4. The name comes from Columbia Blue (English).

  • HEX: #C4D8E2
  • RGB: 196, 216, 226
  • HSL: 200°, 13.27%, 88.63%
  • Mood: Minimal
  • Style: Pastel, Cool
  • Use case: Text, Background, Print
  • Complementary color: #E2CEC4
  • Triadic colors: #E2C4D8, #D8E2C4
  • The name comes from Columbia 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 #C4D8E2 from deepest shade to lightest tint.

Color Characteristics

Mood
Minimal
Style
Pastel Cool
Use case
Text Background Print

Accessibility Simulation

Deuteranopia #D2D2E2
Protanopia #D6D6E2
Tritanopia #C2D9D9
Achromatopsia #D5D5D5

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia Blue (#C4D8E2) is a color with RGB(196, 216, 226) and HSL(200°, 13.27%, 88.63%).

#C4D8E2 pairs strongly with #E2CEC4 as its complementary color. It can also be used with neutral tones for balanced UI and design layouts.

#C4D8E2 is suitable for Text, Background, Print and works well with Pastel, Cool styles.

#C4D8E2 is commonly associated with Minimal.

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

Name, History & Etymology

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

History

Columbia University officially adopted light blue as its color in 1890. The specific shade, often referred to as 'Columbia Blue,' became a prominent identifier for the university's athletic teams, academic regalia, and branding. While many universities use blue, Columbia's shade is distinctively light and airy. Over time, the color has been standardized, with #c4d8e2 being a common digital representation. It is deeply ingrained in the university's identity and traditions.

First Recorded Use

The exact first documented use of the name 'Columbia Blue' for this specific hex code is difficult to pinpoint precisely, but the color itself became associated with Columbia University in the late 19th century, with official adoption around 1890.

Cultural Associations

Columbia Blue is primarily recognized within the context of Columbia University in New York City. It is seen on university merchandise, sports uniforms (especially for the Columbia Lions), graduation gowns, and official publications. For alumni and students, it evokes a sense of pride, tradition, and affiliation with the Ivy League institution. Outside of this specific context, it is simply a light blue color, without significant broader cultural connotations.

Similar Named Colors
Pale Aqua #BCD4E6 ΔE 3.31
Azureish White #DBE9F4 ΔE 4.81
Pastel Blue #AEC6CF ΔE 4.90
Light Blue #ADD8E6 ΔE 6.22

Code Snippets

/* Background */
.element {
    background-color: #C4D8E2;
}

/* Text */
.element {
    color: #C4D8E2;
}

/* Border */
.element {
    border: 1px solid #C4D8E2;
}

/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
    background: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        #C4D8E2,
        #E6E1DE
    );
}

/* Radial gradient */
.element {
    background: radial-gradient(
        circle,
        #C4D8E2,
        #E6E1DE
    );
}

// SCSS variable
$columbia-blue: #C4D8E2;

// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$columbia-blue-r: 196;
$columbia-blue-g: 216;
$columbia-blue-b: 226;

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