Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) Color Information
Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) RGB value is (163, 193, 173). The hex color red value is 163, green is 193, and blue is 173. Its HSL format shows a hue of 140°, saturation of 19 percent, and lightness of 70 percent. The CMYK process values are 16 percent, 0 percent, 10 percent, 24 percent.
Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) Color Meaning
Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) suggests scholarly serenity, institutional calm, and refined neutrality. Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) is a soft, greyed green-blue historically tied to the University of Cambridge’s rowing and academic regalia. Its muted saturation makes it ideal for environments where distraction must be minimized but warmth preserved. Unlike clinical pastels, Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) carries enough green to feel organic and enough grey to feel disciplined. Psychological research on classroom color schemes shows that tones like Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) improve concentration in adolescents by reducing overstimulation without inducing drowsiness. In branding, Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) signals heritage with humility. It appears in educational nonprofits, editorial platforms, and heritage fashion where quiet confidence outweighs bold claims. Because it sits near the threshold of green and blue, Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) bridges emotional calm (blue) and growth mindset (green)—a rare duality. Digital accessibility tests confirm it meets contrast standards for body text when paired with deep charcoals, making it viable for inclusive design. Its subtlety demands thoughtful pairing, which elevates the perception of craftsmanship. Symbolically, Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) represents the space between knowledge and wisdom—the pause before conclusion. It is not the color of debate but of reflection. In spiritual design, it mirrors the stillness of mist over water: clarity emerging slowly. Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) rarely dominates a palette; instead, it supports, stabilizes, and softens. Designers use it when the goal is to invite contemplation, not command attention—making it a chromatic whisper with institutional weight.
Color Conversion
Convert Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) across different color models and formats. These conversions help designers work seamlessly between digital and print media, ensuring this color maintains its intended appearance across RGB screens, CMYK printers, and HSL color manipulations.
RGB Values & CMYK Values
RGB Values
CMYK Values
Color Variations
Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) harmonies come to life through carefully balanced shades, tints, and tones, giving this color depth and flexibility across light and dark variations. Shades add richness, tints bring an airy softness, and tones soften intensity, making it easy to pair in clean, modern palettes.
Color Harmonies
Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) harmonies create beautiful relationships with other colors based on their position on the color wheel. Each harmony type offers unique design possibilities, enabling cohesive and visually appealing color schemes.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the color wheel (30° apart)
Complementary
Colors opposite on the color wheel (180° apart)
Split Complementary
Three colors using one base hue and the two hues beside its opposite
Triadic
Three colors evenly spaced (120° apart)
Tetradic
Four colors forming a rectangle on the wheel
Square
Four colors evenly spaced (90° apart)
Double Split
Four colors formed from two base hues and the colors next to their opposites
Monochromatic
Variations of a single hue
Contrast Checker
(WCAG 2.1) Test Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) for accessibility compliance against white and black backgrounds. Proper contrast ensures this color remains readable and usable for all audiences, meeting WCAG 2.1 standards for both normal and large text applications.
Sample Text
This is how your text will look with these colors.
Large Text (18pt+)
Normal Text
UI Components
Color Blindness Simulator
See how #A3C1AD appears to people with different types of color vision deficiencies. These simulations help create more inclusive designs that consider how this color is perceived across various visual abilities.
Normal Vision
protanopia
Note: These simulations are approximations. Actual color vision deficiency varies by individual.
CSS Examples
Background Color
Text Color
Sample Text
Border Color
Box Shadow
Text Shadow
Sample Text
Gradient
Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) Color FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD) color meaning, symbolism, and applications. Click on any question to expand detailed answers.