What are complementary colours?

Complementary colours sit directly opposite each other on the colour wheel — for example, red and green, blue and orange, yellow and violet. When placed side by side, they create maximum contrast and visual vibration. When mixed together, they create neutral greys and browns.

What is a triadic colour scheme?

A triadic scheme uses three colours equally spaced around the colour wheel (120 degrees apart). The primary triad (red, yellow, blue) is the most familiar example. Triadic schemes offer strong visual contrast while maintaining colour balance.

What is the difference between analogous and complementary?

Analogous colours are neighbours on the colour wheel (within 30 degrees) and create harmonious, low-contrast combinations. Complementary colours are opposites and create high-contrast, vibrant pairings. Analogous schemes feel calm and unified, while complementary schemes feel dynamic and energetic.

ArtCalcs

Colour Wheel Calculator — Colour Harmonies

Find harmonious colour combinations using colour wheel relationships like complementary, analogous, triadic and split-complementary.

Base Hue (0-360)

0=Red, 60=Yellow, 120=Green, 240=Blue

Harmony Type

How We Calculate This

This calculator uses the 360-degree colour wheel to find harmonious colours based on angular relationships.

Colour harmony types

Complementary: +180° (opposite)
Analogous: +30° and -30° (neighbours)
Triadic: +120° and +240° (evenly spaced)
Split-complementary: +150° and +210°
Tetradic: +90°, +180° and +270° (rectangle)

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.