#11202C · #2B181D
Four independent scores (read the one that fits your goal): Readability 0/100 (fail) · Harmony 85/100 (split-complementary) · Distinguishable 51/100 (somewhat similar) · Match 64/100 (different). There is no single “good/bad” — a pair can clash for text yet be great for an outfit.
Deep Dusty Cyan and Espresso are a clear pair (ΔE 16). They have distinctly different hues (138° apart) and their lightness is similar, so they read as two same-weight colours.
Deep Dusty Cyan text on Espresso: 1.01:1 (Fail); Espresso text on Deep Dusty Cyan: 1.01:1 (Fail). Neither meets AA at body size — nudging one color to #758796 clears it.
Split-complementary — split-complementary — 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 #758796 clears AA.
Their CIE76 ΔE is about 16 — a clear pair.
clearly different colours (ΔE 16).
Explore each color: Deep Dusty Cyan #11202C · Espresso #2B181D · Shades: Deep Dusty Cyan shades · Espresso shades · Contrast checker →