HEX color reference

What color is #FF0000?

#FF0000 is a red color suited for error state, warning emphasis, urgent action. It works best when used deliberately for error states, destructive buttons, validation messages, with contrast checked against the final background and text size.

This page gives practical values for #FF0000: RGB, HSL, readable text color, WCAG-style contrast, palette ideas, tints, shades, and code snippets. It is built for designers and developers who need more than a single color swatch.

#FF0000
Red

Color values

HEX
#FF0000
RGB
rgb(255, 0, 0)
HSL
hsl(0, 100%, 50%)
Color family
red

Contrast

The suggested readable text color for #FF0000 is #000000. Always test final typography and component size before shipping.

vs white: 4.00
vs black: 5.25
Preview text on #FF0000

Best uses

  • - Error states
  • - Destructive buttons
  • - Validation messages
  • - Urgent badges

Palette ideas for #FF0000

CSS and design token examples

Use these snippets as a starting point, then rename the token by purpose: primary, success, warning, accent, or surface. A named token is easier to maintain than repeating #FF0000 across many components.

CSS variables
:root {
  --primary: #FF0000;
  --primary-rgb: 255, 0, 0;
  --primary-hsl: 0 100% 50%;
}
Tailwind config
// tailwind.config.js
export default {
  theme: {
    extend: {
      colors: {
        primary: "#FF0000",
      },
    },
  },
};
JSON token
{
  "primary": "#FF0000",
  "primaryRgb": [255, 0, 0],
  "primaryHsl": {"h": 0, "s": 100, "l": 50}
}
SCSS variables
$primary: #FF0000;
$primary-rgb: 255, 0, 0;
$primary-hsl: 0 100% 50%;

How to use #FF0000 in UI

Use it with a role

Decide whether #FF0000 is a primary action, a status color, an accent, a chart color, or a background support color before adding it to a design system.

Create states

Use tints and shades for hover, active, selected, disabled, and subtle backgrounds. Do not invent unrelated colors for each state.

Check contrast

The fastest check is black versus white text, but final UI should be tested with actual font size, weight, and surface color.

Export consistently

Copy one source format into your token layer so the same color does not drift across CSS, Tailwind, JSON, and component files.

When to use and avoid #FF0000

Use #FF0000 when

Use this color when its role is visible and repeatable. It works best when it is tied to a clear interface job such as a primary action, status badge, chart highlight, product category, or brand accent. The color should help users understand the page faster.

Avoid #FF0000 when

Avoid using it as a random decoration or applying it to too many unrelated elements. If every icon, card, heading, and button uses the same color, the color stops communicating priority. Use neutrals and tints to keep hierarchy clear.

Accessibility note

Contrast depends on the foreground and background pair, not the HEX value alone. Use the contrast scores above as an early check, then test the final component with real text size, font weight, spacing, and surrounding surfaces.

Token naming note

If #FF0000 appears more than once in your codebase, give it a token name. Good names describe purpose, such as primary, success, warning, accent, or surface. This prevents small color differences from spreading across components.

FAQ about #FF0000

What is the RGB value of #FF0000?

The RGB value is rgb(255, 0, 0). RGB is useful when checking browser dev tools, canvas pixels, or computed CSS values.

What is the HSL value of #FF0000?

The HSL value is hsl(0, 100%, 50%). HSL is useful when creating lighter tints, darker shades, and calmer variations.

Which text color works best on #FF0000?

Based on black and white contrast, #000000 is the better quick choice. For production UI, confirm the result with the final font size and component state.

Can I use #FF0000 in Tailwind or CSS variables?

Yes. Use the export snippets above as a starting point, then rename the color by role so the value is maintainable across your project.

Related color pages