What Is the Complementary Color of Red?

The complementary color of red is green. On the traditional RYB color wheel used in art and design, red and green sit directly opposite each other. When placed side by side, they create maximum color contrast and visual vibrancy. This red-green pair is one of the three primary complementary pairs, alongside blue-orange and yellow-purple.

The Red-Green Pair

Red and green are complementary because they occupy opposite positions on the color wheel. In the RYB model, red is a primary color and green is a secondary (yellow + blue). Their opposition creates simultaneous contrast—each makes the other appear more intense.

Why Red and Green Are Complementary

Color theory, as established by Johannes Itten and the Munsell Color System, defines complementary colors as those 180° apart on the color wheel. Red's complement is green; drawing a line through the center from red lands on green. This relationship holds in both traditional (RYB) and digital (RGB) color models, though exact hues may vary slightly.

Famous Examples

Heineken uses red and green in its branding. Alfa Romeo's logo combines red and green. Christmas and holiday imagery relies on this pair. Traffic lights use red and green for stop and go. The pair is powerful but must be used carefully—red-green color blindness affects some viewers, so avoid using them as the only differentiator for critical information.

Using Red and Green in Design

For complementary colors in design, use red as a dominant or accent color and green as the complement. Ensure WCAG 2.1 contrast ratios for text. Consider tints and shades for subtler palettes. The complementary colors guide on our homepage has a free tool to find exact hex codes.

Variations: Split-Complementary and Triadic

Split-complementary with red uses yellow-green and blue-green. Triadic with red uses yellow and blue. Explore the color wheel for more relationships.

Try It: Explore Red's Complements

Use the tool below to find complementary, split-complementary, and triadic palettes. Pre-loaded with red—change any color to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the complementary color of red?

  The complementary color of red is green. On the RYB color wheel, red and green sit directly opposite each other and create maximum contrast.