What is a split complementary color scheme?

A split complementary color scheme takes a base color and, instead of its direct complement on the opposite side of the color wheel, uses the two colors on either side of that complement. With a 60° spread they sit at 150° and 210° from the base color. The scheme keeps much of the contrast of a complementary pair but is easier on the eye, which makes it a popular choice for web design, branding and illustration.

Tool description

The Split Complementary Color Generator spreads colors evenly around the complement of any color you enter. By default it shows the classic pair 60° apart. Add more colors or change the spread angle to fan out a wider or tighter set of hues around the complement. Each color keeps the saturation and lightness of your input color, and its label shows its hue.

Features

  • Instant Color Generation: Colors update in real time as you change the input
  • Adjustable Color Count: Generate 2 to 12 colors around the complement
  • Configurable Spread Angle: Set the spacing between neighboring colors from 1 to 90 degrees

Spread Angle Settings

  • Small angles (1-15°): Subtle hue shifts around the complement, close to a single complementary color
  • Medium angles (15-45°): Noticeable but harmonious differences, ideal for balanced designs
  • Large angles (45-90°): Bold contrasts, with 60° giving the classic split complementary pair

With an odd number of colors, the middle one is the direct complement of your input color.