What Is the Opposite of Purple?

The opposite of purple varies depending on the color model. Under the RGB model, the opposite of purple is yellow. In the CMYK model, the opposite of purple is a blend of cyan and yellow.

Opposite of Purple

Purple’s Position on the Color Wheel

In the traditional color wheel, purple sits between blue and red. Purple’s position on the color wheel is crucial in color theory as it helps understand how colors interact.

Mixing red and blue pigments in different compositions results in various shades of purple. Purple is a cool color with more blue tones than red.

The Opposite of Purple in Various Color Models

RGB Color Model and Its Opposite Color to Purple

The RGB color model uses the additive color mixing technique. Mixing red (R), green (G), and blue (B) in different intensities creates a range of colors. In this model, combining a higher intensity of blue with a lower intensity of red creates purple.

CMYK Color Model and Its Opposite Color to Purple

The CMYK model uses the subtractive color mixing technique. It’s an efficient color model for printing and graphic design. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black).

CMYK absorbs or subtracts specific wavelengths of light, creating a perception of different colors. In this model, purple is a secondary color made of the primary colors red and blue.

RYB Color Model and Its Opposite Color to Purple

The RYB model doesn’t consider purple as its primary color. It’s often used in traditional art and color mixing, where red, yellow, and blue are the primary colors.

Mixing red and blue using the RYB model creates the secondary color purple. Its complementary color is yellow, making a high-contrast and vibrant combination.

Opposites to Different Purple Hues

Lavender: Opposite of Chartreuse

Lavender, a delicate and pale shade of purple, creates a striking contrast when paired with chartreuse. The shade of purple is often associated with elegance and tranquility.

Color	Hex Value	RGB Value	CMYK Value (%)
Lavender	#E6E6FA	230, 230, 250	8, 8, 0, 2
Chartreuse	#7FFF00	127, 255, 0	50, 0, 100, 0

Violet: Opposite of Yellow

Violet is a rich, deep purple shade often associated with spirituality and creativity. Pairing violet with yellow creates a vibrant and contrasting combination.