If someone is looking for pure, absolute digital red, the definitive code is:
Pure Red Hex Code: #FF0000
In digital design (RGB), this value represents maximum red ($255$), zero green ($0$), and zero blue ($0$).
How Many “Red” Colors Exist?
In the digital world using standard 24-bit color depth, the red channel alone has 256 possible levels (from 00 to FF in hexadecimal). When combined with variations of greens and blues to form different shades of red (like warm terracotta or deep burgundy), there are tens of thousands of unique hex combinations that our eyes perceive as part of the red family.
To make this practical for web development and design, we categorize these shades into distinct families based on their undertones.
Ultimate Master List of Red Shades & Hex Codes
Here is a breakdown of the most popular, trusted, and frequently searched shades of red, including standard CSS/W3C web-safe names and popular design favorites.
The Classics & True Reds
These are the pure, vivid reds that carry no heavy brown or blue undertones.
| Preview | Color Name | Hex Code | RGB Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Red (W3C Standard) | #FF0000 | rgb(255, 0, 0) | |
| Crimson (W3C Standard) | #DC143C | rgb(220, 20, 60) | |
| Candy Apple Red | #FF0800 | rgb(255, 8, 0) | |
| Imperial Red | #ED2939 | rgb(237, 41, 57) |
Deep & Dark Reds
These shades are mixed with black or deep blues, making them perfect for elegant, rich UI designs or backgrounds.
| Preview | Color Name | Hex Code | RGB Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maroon (W3C Standard) | #800000 | rgb(128, 0, 0) | |
| Dark Red (W3C Standard) | #8B0000 | rgb(139, 0, 0) | |
| Fire Brick (W3C Standard) | #B22222 | rgb(178, 34, 34) | |
| Burgundy | #800020 | rgb(128, 0, 32) | |
| Blood Red | #660000 | rgb(102, 0, 0) |
Bright, Warm & Orange-Reds
These shades lean heavily into the yellow/orange spectrum, giving them an energetic, fiery appearance.
| Preview | Color Name | Hex Code | RGB Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Red (W3C Standard) | #FF4500 | rgb(255, 69, 0) | |
| Tomato (W3C Standard) | #FF6347 | rgb(255, 99, 71) | |
| Coral (W3C Standard) | #FF7F50 | rgb(255, 127, 80) | |
| Vermilion | #E34234 | rgb(227, 66, 52) |
Soft, Pastel & Muted Reds
These shades introduce pink, white, or grey undertones, creating calmer, less aggressive variations.
| Preview | Color Name | Hex Code | RGB Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon (W3C Standard) | #FA8072 | rgb(250, 128, 114) | |
| Light Coral (W3C Standard) | #F08080 | rgb(240, 128, 128) | |
| Indian Red (W3C Standard) | #CD5C5C | rgb(205, 92, 92) | |
| Terracotta | #E2725B | rgb(226, 114, 91) |
Understanding the Hexadecimal Code for Red
For absolute clarity, hex codes are six-digit codes broken down into three pairs: #RRGGBB (Red, Green, Blue).
- The values range from
00(lowest intensity, entirely off) toFF(highest intensity, fully on). - In
#FF0000, the Red channel is dialed up to the absolute limit (FF), while Green (00) and Blue (00) are non-existent. - When you want a deep red, you lower the red value (e.g.,
#800000), which effectively mixes it with black. - When you want an orange-red, you let some green light filter through (e.g.,
#FF4500).
Continue exploring the world of color
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Discover curated color shades in our Shades Color Library
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Explore gradient combinations in our Gradient Library
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Discover curated color collections in our Color Palette Library
Create accessible color systems with design-token support and Tailwind exports using the TrueCSSApp Gradient Generator