#091E2B · #281709
Four independent scores (read the one that fits your goal): Readability 0/100 (fail) · Harmony 98/100 (complementary) · Distinguishable 65/100 (somewhat similar) · Match 47/100 (different). There is no single “good/bad” — a pair can clash for text yet be great for an outfit.
Deep Cyan and Deep Orange are a clear pair (ΔE 24). They have near-opposite hues (176° apart) and their lightness is similar, so they read as two same-weight colours.
Deep Cyan text on Deep Orange: 1.01:1 (Fail); Deep Orange text on Deep Cyan: 1.01:1 (Fail). Neither meets AA at body size — nudging one color to #6E8696 clears it.
Complementary — complementary — a recognised, balanced pairing (harmony 98/100). 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 #6E8696 clears AA.
Their CIE76 ΔE is about 24 — a clear pair.
clearly different colours (ΔE 24).
Explore each color: Deep Cyan #091E2B · Deep Orange #281709 · Shades: Deep Cyan shades · Deep Orange shades · Contrast checker →