Chart colours

In some charts, colours help differentiate between categories of data, such as in line charts or stacked bar charts. Some visualisations use colour to represent numerical values, such as heatmaps.

The chart palette draws from the web palette. This page only covers the parts specific to charts: the categorical picks, the rule on sequential and divergent scales, and the accent colours.

Categorical palette

Use these colours to differentiate between categories of data.

ColourNameHex
Primary blue#1D70B8
Blue shade 50%#0F385C
Primary magenta#CA357C
Purple tint 25%#7F65B7
Teal tint 25%#50A1A5
Orange tint 25%#F7996A

Axes and lines

ColourNameHex
Black tint 80%#CECECE

Labels

ColourNameHex
Black#0B0C0C

Sequential and divergent scale palette

Avoid using colour alone to visualise insights. Use a maximum of two scales in a single chart.

The scales use the tints and shades from the web palette.

Accent colours

Use only in conjunction with backgrounds using 25% and 50% shades.

ColourNameHex
Accent blue#11E0F1
Accent magenta#FF52EE
Accent red#FF5E5E
Accent green#66F39E
Accent purple#BA4AFF
Accent teal#00FFE0
Accent orange#FFAF4A

Using colour in charts

When choosing colours for your data visualisation:

  • ensure sufficient contrast with the background and overlapping text
  • avoid using colour as the only visual means of conveying information
  • focus on applying colour that enhances the clarity of the data
  • limit colours to avoid confusion