#04212B · #2A1522
Four independent scores (read the one that fits your goal): Readability 0/100 (fail) · Harmony 95/100 (triadic) · Distinguishable 57/100 (somewhat similar) · Match 55/100 (different). There is no single “good/bad” — a pair can clash for text yet be great for an outfit.
Deep Cyan and Espresso are a clear pair (ΔE 20). They have distinctly different hues (127° apart) and their lightness is similar, so they read as two same-weight colours.
Deep Cyan text on Espresso: 1.02:1 (Fail); Espresso text on Deep Cyan: 1.02:1 (Fail). Neither meets AA at body size — nudging one color to #698894 clears it.
Triadic — triadic — a recognised, balanced pairing (harmony 95/100). 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 #698894 clears AA.
Their CIE76 ΔE is about 20 — a clear pair.
clearly different colours (ΔE 20).
Explore each color: Deep Cyan #04212B · Espresso #2A1522 · Shades: Deep Cyan shades · Espresso shades · Contrast checker →