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    What Colors Make Blue?

    Learn how to mix and create different shades of blue

    Blue is one of the three primary colors in traditional color theory, meaning it cannot be created by mixing other colors together. However, you can create various shades and tones of blue by mixing blue with other colors. In light-based color mixing (RGB), blue is created by the blue light wavelength itself.

    How to Make Blue

    Blue

    White

    #92B4F4

    Ratio: 1:1

    Adding white to blue creates lighter shades called tints, resulting in sky blue or baby blue.

    Blue

    Black

    #1E3A5F

    Ratio: 3:1

    Adding black to blue creates darker shades, resulting in navy blue or midnight blue.

    Blue

    Green

    #14B8A6

    Ratio: 1:1

    Mixing blue and green creates teal or cyan, a cool, refreshing color.

    Blue

    Red

    #8B5CF6

    Ratio: 1:1

    Mixing blue and red creates purple or violet, depending on the ratio.

    Color Theory: Understanding Blue

    In subtractive color mixing (paints, pigments), blue is a primary color and cannot be made from other colors. However, in additive color mixing (light, screens), blue is also a primary color created by specific wavelengths of light around 450-495 nanometers. The perception of blue comes from how our eyes' cone cells respond to these wavelengths.

    Shades & Variations of Blue

    Navy Blue

    #1E3A8A

    Mix blue with a small amount of black

    Sky Blue

    #7DD3FC

    Mix blue with white

    Royal Blue

    #4169E1

    Pure blue with a hint of red

    Teal

    #14B8A6

    Equal parts blue and green

    Cobalt Blue

    #0047AB

    Blue with a touch of purple

    Cerulean

    #007BA7

    Blue with a touch of green and white

    Powder Blue

    #B0E0E6

    Blue with lots of white and a hint of green

    Steel Blue

    #4682B4

    Blue with gray and a touch of green

    Midnight Blue

    #191970

    Blue with black and a touch of purple

    Periwinkle

    #CCCCFF

    Blue with white and a hint of purple

    Cornflower Blue

    #6495ED

    Blue with white and slight purple tint

    Prussian Blue

    #003153

    Deep blue with black and green undertone

    Pro Tips for Mixing Blue

    • Start with small amounts when mixing to avoid wasting paint
    • Blue is a cool color that recedes visually, making it great for backgrounds
    • Ultramarine blue leans toward purple, while phthalo blue leans toward green
    • In digital design, pure blue (#0000FF) can appear harsh—soften it with slight adjustments

    Frequently Asked Questions About Blue

    Related Color Guides

    What Colors Make PurpleWhat Colors Make GreenWhat Colors Make Teal
    What Colors Make Blue? Color Mixing Guide | ColorShades.io