#C9DBE4 · #E4D2DA
Four independent scores (read the one that fits your goal): Readability 0/100 (fail) · Harmony 86/100 (triadic) · Distinguishable 43/100 (somewhat similar) · Match 72/100 (different). There is no single “good/bad” — a pair can clash for text yet be great for an outfit.
Light Gray and Gainsboro are a clear pair (ΔE 13). They have distinctly different hues (133° apart) and their lightness is similar, so they read as two same-weight colours.
Light Gray text on Gainsboro: 1.01:1 (Fail); Gainsboro text on Light Gray: 1.01:1 (Fail). Neither meets AA at body size — nudging one color to #516068 clears it.
Triadic — triadic — a recognised, balanced pairing (harmony 86/100). 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 #516068 clears AA.
Their CIE76 ΔE is about 13 — a clear pair.
clearly different colours (ΔE 13).
Explore each color: Light Gray #C9DBE4 · Gainsboro #E4D2DA · Shades: Light Gray shades · Gainsboro shades · Contrast checker →