HEX Color Code #F42238

From card backgrounds to icon fills, the medium red tone #F42238 handles a wide variety of design contexts reliably. This reference page provides its complete color data and professional application ideas.

What Color Is #F42238?

In the HSL model, #F42238 is defined as (354°, 91%, 55%). The 354° hue angle corresponds directly to the red portion of the color wheel. Combined with medium lightness and strong saturation, this shade delivers vibrant visual impact.

Color Meaning of #F42238

From a psychological standpoint, #F42238 taps into red associations of warmth, intensity, and power. The medium character of this specific shade means it asserts presence without overwhelming, making it effective for primary UI elements and brand identifiers.

Where to Use HEX Code #F42238

E-commerce product card borders and "add to cart" button styling for red-branded storefronts

Modal overlay tints — applying #F42238 at 10-20% opacity creates depth behind dialog content

Infographic accent elements where multiple red shades build visual storytelling layers

Notification badges that remain legible against varied nav-bar backgrounds

Event and calendar UI — medium red marks selected dates and active time slots

Slide deck title bars and presentation themes for consistent conference branding

Similar HEX Color Codes

#FF3129

#FF3B1F

#D14515

Complementary orange tone for palette coordination

#C70065

Nearby color value offering slightly different brightness

#BD5901

#B36300

Adjacent shade useful for gradient transitions

#A96D83

Comparable red alternative with distinct character

HEX Code #F42238 in Design Systems

For Figma and code handoff, document #F42238 with its roles: when to use it, which backgrounds it pairs with, and which text colors sit on top of it. Include a "do / don't" section showing approved and forbidden combinations — this prevents designers from accidentally creating inaccessible pairs.

With brightness at 99/255, this shade anchors well as a dark accent. Pair with white (#FFFFFF) for maximum contrast or off-white (#F9FAFB) for a softer feel. Avoid medium grays on top, which create insufficient contrast.

FAQ About HEX Color Code #F42238

What color is #F42238?

This HEX code renders as a medium red shade on screen. Its RGB components (244, 34, 56) create a red-dominant appearance with medium depth.

Is #F42238 a dark or light color?

Dark. The weighted luminance formula (0.299R + 0.587G + 0.114B) gives #F42238 a score of 99/255, placing it below the midpoint. This classification affects which text colors achieve adequate contrast.

What colors go well with #F42238?

#F42238 pairs well with contrasting colors opposite it on the color wheel (≈174°) for dynamic compositions. For cohesive, calm palettes, combine it with neighboring hues at ±30° and tinted neutrals in the same red family.

Can I use #F42238 for branding?

Yes. #F42238 works as a brand color when red-family associations — energy, passion, and urgency — align with your positioning. Define it formally in your brand guidelines with permitted tints, shades, and pairing rules for consistent application.

How do I convert #F42238 to other color formats?

The full conversion: RGB(244, 34, 56), HSL(354°, 91%, 55%). CMYK values depend on the print profile but approximate C:4% M:87% Y:78% K:0%. Our converter tools handle all formats instantly.