How is the complementary color calculated?

The input color is converted to HSL, and the hue is rotated 180 degrees. Saturation and lightness remain the same.

Are complementary colors always high contrast?

They are usually high contrast in hue, but contrast also depends on lightness. Two complementary colors at similar lightness levels may not pass WCAG contrast tests.

Can I use this for text and background color pairing?

Complementary colors can work for pairings, but always check WCAG contrast ratios with the contrast checker tool before using them for text.

What is the complement of white or black?

White (#FFFFFF) and black (#000000) have no saturation, so rotating the hue produces the same color. Their complements are themselves.

Complementary Color Finder on Color Wheel

Enter a color and get the exact color opposite it on the color wheel.

Color

Summary

Enter a color and get the exact color opposite it on the color wheel.

How it works

Enter a HEX or RGB color value
The complementary color appears with its HEX and RGB values
Preview both colors side by side

Use cases

Create high-contrast accent colors
Design call-to-action button colors that stand out
Understand color relationships for graphic design

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed by Nham Vu