About Northern Sky Blue
At #9cbacd, Northern Sky Blue is a mid-toned blue with a softly saturated presence, nearest to steel_blue. In color psychology it reads as rational, steady, and modern — a pastel presence and a cool cast, and it carries the steadiness designers lean on for trust-centered brands.
For text on Northern Sky Blue, black performs best at 10.32:1 — passing WCAG AAA. In a palette it suits primary roles.
Contrast Accessibility
With white
2.04:1
With black
10.32:1
Color Conversions
#9cbacd
rgb(156, 186, 205)
hsl(203°, 33%, 71%)
oklch(0.773 0.042 235.9)
cmyk(2400%, 900%, 0%, 2000%)
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 atmospheric palette evoking airy, approachable, calm. 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 #9cbacd
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