#DBDBDB · #FFFFFF
Four independent scores (read the one that fits your goal): Readability 8/100 (fail) · Harmony 100/100 (monochrome) · Distinguishable 45/100 (somewhat similar) · Match 72/100 (different). There is no single “good/bad” — a pair can clash for text yet be great for an outfit.
Gainsboro and White are a clear pair (ΔE 13). They have closely related hues (0° apart) and their lightness is similar, so they read as two same-weight colours.
Gainsboro text on White: 1.38:1 (Fail); White text on Gainsboro: 1.38:1 (Fail). Neither meets AA at body size — nudging one color to #767676 clears it.
Monochrome — monochrome — a recognised, balanced pairing (harmony 100/100). This is about how they look together (clothing, interiors, branding), independent of text contrast.
Not at body size — the best direction is only 1.4:1, below the 4.5:1 minimum. Nudging one colour to #767676 clears AA.
Their CIE76 ΔE is about 13 — a clear pair.
clearly different colours (ΔE 13).
Explore each color: Gainsboro #DBDBDB · White #FFFFFF · Shades: Gainsboro shades · White shades · Contrast checker →