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Maroon Color Codes and Appearance

Maroon's standard web code is #800000, RGB 128, 0, 0. See its HSL, HSV and approximate CMYK values, how it looks, and how to set it correctly in vector logo files.

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Contents
  1. The Standard Maroon Codes
  2. What Maroon Looks Like
  3. Using Maroon in Vector Logo Files
  4. Building a Maroon Gradient
  5. Print Values and Open Gaps

Maroon is a dark red with a brownish cast. In the standard web color set used by CSS, SVG and most design software, it is defined as hex #800000, which equals RGB 128, 0, 0. That value is the one most people mean when they search for a maroon color code. Other codes in the same family, and the caveats that come with them, are covered below.

The Standard Maroon Codes

The CSS named color maroon is fixed at #800000. The values below express that same color in other models. The hex, RGB, HSL and HSV values are exact equivalents. The CMYK value is a formula conversion, not a print specification.

Color model | Maroon value | Notes
Hex | #800000 | CSS and SVG named color "maroon"
RGB | 128, 0, 0 | Red channel at roughly half intensity, with no green or blue
RGB (0–1 scale) | 0.502, 0, 0 | Used by some scripting and 3D tools
HSL | 0°, 100%, 25% | Pure red hue at low lightness
HSV / HSB | 0°, 100%, 50% | The value most color pickers show
CMYK (formula) | 0, 100, 100, 50 | Simple conversion from RGB, not profile-managed

The name causes one known conflict. In the older X11 color list used by some Unix-derived software, "maroon" refers to a pinker, more purplish shade, #B03060. CSS kept #800000 for maroon and gives the X11 shade the separate name "x11maroon" only in a few tools, not in the CSS standard. If a program's built-in "maroon" looks noticeably pink, it is probably using the X11 definition.

What Maroon Looks Like

The word comes from the French marron, meaning chestnut, and that origin fits the color. #800000 contains only red, but at half strength, so on screen it reads as a deep red that leans toward brown rather than toward purple or orange. Compared with burgundy and wine shades, which usually carry some blue, standard maroon has none. That makes it warmer and earthier. Compared with brick or rust, it is darker and has no yellow component.

Because maroon has low lightness, it needs contrast in a logo. It holds up well against white, cream and light gold. It can go muddy next to black or dark gray, and it can vibrate next to saturated greens.

Using Maroon in Vector Logo Files

In true vector artwork, such as SVG, AI, EPS or PDF files with live paths, a fill color is stored as an exact value. A maroon shape set to #800000 stays #800000 at any size. That precision only applies to genuine vector objects. A file with a vector extension can still contain an embedded raster image, and many downloadable logos are only PNG or JPG previews. Open the file in a vector editor and confirm the shapes are editable paths before treating its colors as authoritative.

Sampling maroon from a raster preview is unreliable. JPG compression, anti-aliased edges and color-profile conversions all shift pixel values, so an eyedropper may return something near #800000 rather than the intended code. When you need an exact match to an existing logo, take the value from the brand's documented guidelines or from the original vector fill.

Finding a color code inside someone else's logo does not grant permission to reuse that logo's artwork, fonts or trademark. Downloading a file, modifying it and using it commercially are separate permissions, and each depends on the owner's terms.

Building a Maroon Gradient

A simple way to build a maroon gradient that stays in the same hue family is to keep hue at 0° and saturation at 100%, then vary only HSL lightness. For example, 35% lightness gives #B30000, and 15% gives #4D0000. The SVG below is an illustrative starting point using those computed stops, not a prescribed palette.

<linearGradient id="maroon-fade" x1="0" y1="0" x2="0" y2="1">
  <stop offset="0" stop-color="#B30000"/>
  <stop offset="0.5" stop-color="#800000"/>
  <stop offset="1" stop-color="#4D0000"/>
</linearGradient>

Gradients do not always survive file delivery. Some export paths and older programs rasterize them or flatten them into stepped bands. A logo that relies on a maroon gradient should also have a solid #800000 version for one-color uses such as embroidery, stamping or single-ink printing.

The CMYK figure in the table comes from the basic RGB-to-CMYK formula. It ignores paper stock, ink behavior and ICC color profiles. Actual press results will differ, and a rich maroon often needs a profile-managed conversion or a proofed spot color.

  • Not covered by the supplied material, so not stated here:
  • An official Pantone or other spot-color match for #800000
  • The specific maroon values used by any named brand, school or team
  • Measured on-screen or printed appearance under particular devices or conditions

If your project depends on any of these, confirm them with the relevant brand guidelines, a current spot-color guide or a printed proof before finalizing the artwork.