#F3AD16
Yellow family

Buttercup

Also known as: cheerful · golden · vibrant · sunny · playful
Hex #F3AD16
RGB rgb(243, 173, 22)
HSL hsl(41°, 90%, 52%)
CMYK 0 · 29 · 91 · 5
RAL RAL 1034 · Pastel Yellow

RAL and NCS values are nearest equivalents, not official designations.

Meaning

The psychology, symbolism and cultural history of Buttercup.

In Western cultures, Buttercup symbolizes joy and happiness, often associated with childhood and carefree days in nature. Conversely, in some Asian cultures, bright yellows can denote caution or warning, creating a contrast between celebration and alertness.

The term 'buttercup' dates back to the 14th century, derived from the Old English 'buttercuppe', as the flowers were thought to have been used to color butter. The vivid hue became popular in art during the 18th century, with artists like Vincent van Gogh celebrating its brightness in their work.

cheerfulgoldenvibrantsunnyplayful

Similar colors

The closest colors to Buttercup by perceived distance.

All 29 Yellows →

Shades & tints

9 variations of Buttercup by lightness, from dark to light.

-40% #7E5A0B
-30% #9C6F0E
-20% #B98311
-10% #D69813
BASE #F3AD16
+15% #F4B732
+30% #F6C14E
+50% #F7CB6A
+70% #F9D486

Complementary

Colors that pair beautifully with Buttercup on the color wheel.

Palettes

Curated 5-color combinations featuring Buttercup.

#F3AD16
#4CAF50
#EEEEEE
#FF5722
#3F51B5

Sunny Meadow

Bright and fresh
#F3AD16
#FFD700
#FFFFFF
#8B4513
#FF8C00

Golden Harvest

Warm and inviting
#F3AD16
#6A5ACD
#F5F5F5
#FF69B4
#4682B4

Spring Awakening

Lively and uplifting
Vanilla
14 / 29 Yellows Flax
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