#08202E · #2C151D
Four independent scores (read the one that fits your goal): Readability 0/100 (fail) · Harmony 84/100 (split-complementary) · Distinguishable 58/100 (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 (137° 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 #6C8798 clears it.
Split-complementary — split-complementary — a recognised, balanced pairing (harmony 84/100). 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 #6C8798 clears AA.
Their CIE76 ΔE is about 20 — a clear pair.
clearly different colours (ΔE 20).
Explore each color: Deep Cyan #08202E · Espresso #2C151D · Shades: Deep Cyan shades · Espresso shades · Contrast checker →