About Columbia Blue
Columbia Blue is a softly saturated, light blue at #b9d9eb, sitting closest to sky_blue on the color wheel. In color psychology it reads as friendly, optimistic, and calm — a pastel presence and a cool cast, and it carries the steadiness designers lean on for trust-centered brands.
For text on Columbia Blue, black performs best at 14.19:1 — passing WCAG AAA. In a palette it suits primary or secondary roles.
Contrast Accessibility
With white
1.48:1
With black
14.19:1
Color Conversions
#b9d9eb
rgb(185, 217, 235)
hsl(202°, 56%, 82%)
oklch(0.868 0.042 232.6)
cmyk(2100%, 800%, 0%, 800%)
Tint & Shade Scale
A 10-step scale from light to dark, anchored to the base color at step 500. Click any swatch to copy its hex.
Tone Scale
Color mixed with gray — reduces saturation without changing lightness. Click any swatch to copy its hex.
Temperature
Hue shifted cooler and warmer in equal steps. Click any swatch to copy its hex.
Color Psychology
Adds: gentleness, airiness, approachability, subtlety, refinement, openness · Reduces: intensity, authority, visual intensity, formality
Palette Narrative
A thoughtfully curated palette evoking airy, analytical, approachable. Well-suited for approachable and measured brand contexts. A focused selection that communicates intent clearly.
Inspired Palettes
Shades
Lightness variations keeping hue and chroma intact
Monochromatic
Single hue with varied lightness and chroma
Complementary
Opposite hues on the color wheel for maximum contrast
Triadic
Three evenly spaced hues for vibrant balance
Analogous
Neighboring hues for natural, serene combinations
Split Complementary
Complement split into two flanking hues
Generic Gradient
Smooth lightness ramp from dark to light
Matching Gradient
Lightness ramp with a gentle hue drift
Skip Gradient
Alternating light and dark steps for rhythm
9 of 28 palettes from #b9d9eb
Similar Colors
RAL 240 85 15 - Paris blue
#BBD9ECdeltaE 0.0RAL 230 85 15 - Himalaya white blue
#B7DAEAdeltaE 0.0Diamond Soft Blue
#BCDAECdeltaE 0.0Sleepless Blue
#BADBEDdeltaE 0.0Watercolor Blue BM-793
#B9D9E7deltaE 0.0First Rain
#BDD8ECdeltaE 0.0