#001F2F · #2D111D
Four independent scores (read the one that fits your goal): Readability 0/100 (fail) · Harmony 85/100 (triadic) · Distinguishable 64/100 (somewhat similar) · Match 48/100 (different). There is no single “good/bad” — a pair can clash for text yet be great for an outfit.
Deep Vivid Cyan and Espresso are a clear pair (ΔE 24). They have distinctly different hues (134° apart) and their lightness is similar, so they read as two same-weight colours.
Deep Vivid Cyan text on Espresso: 1.02:1 (Fail); Espresso text on Deep Vivid Cyan: 1.02:1 (Fail). Neither meets AA at body size — nudging one color to #66879A clears it.
Triadic — triadic — a recognised, balanced pairing (harmony 85/100). This is about how they look together (clothing, interiors, branding), independent of text contrast.
Not at body size — the best direction is only 1.0:1, below the 4.5:1 minimum. Nudging one colour to #66879A clears AA.
Their CIE76 ΔE is about 24 — a clear pair.
clearly different colours (ΔE 24).
Explore each color: Deep Vivid Cyan #001F2F · Espresso #2D111D · Shades: Deep Vivid Cyan shades · Espresso shades · Contrast checker →