RAL 7016 - Anthracite Grey
RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey) is a RAL Classic color with a HEX approximation of #293133, RGB 41, 49, 51, and CMYK 20/4/0/80. It is a gray tone typically used in architecture, machinery, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, and structural metalwork. Its closest Pantone Solid Coated match is 426 C (Delta E 3.76), and its closest RAL neighbor is RAL 7021 (Black Grey).
About RAL 7016
RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey is one of the most widely-specified RAL codes in contemporary architecture - it is the standard color for modern window frames, aluminium entrance doors, gate systems, and metal cladding, and is often cited as the "Apple grey" of architectural metalwork. RAL greys are the workhorse family - they dominate industrial applications, machinery, electrical enclosures, and architectural metalwork because they age gracefully, hide wear, and blend into almost any environment.
RAL codes are administered by RAL gGmbH, a German quality-assurance institute. The RAL Classic library - 213 codes across nine hue families - is the standard for paint, powder-coat, and plastic finishes across Europe, and is used internationally wherever industrial color specification is required. Like every RAL code, RAL 7016 is defined by a physical paint swatch rather than a digital value; the HEX approximation #293133 is the most commonly-published reference, but physical paint chips are the only authoritative source.
Closest Pantone match
The closest Pantone Solid Coated color to RAL 7016 is 426 C (#25282A), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 3.76. This is a reasonable match but you should verify against physical Pantone chips before production.
Closest RAL Classic neighbors
These RAL codes are perceptually closest to RAL 7016, sorted by Delta E 2000. Codes within the same family differ by Delta E 2-8 typically - siblings rather than duplicates.
Where RAL 7016 is used
RAL 7016 is typically specified in architecture, machinery, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, and structural metalwork. Its gray tone makes it appropriate wherever a neutral, architectural, or structural palette is wanted. Before specifying RAL 7016 for a production run, verify the color against a physical RAL swatch under the actual lighting conditions and finish (matte, semi-gloss, gloss) that will be used - the same code looks meaningfully different across substrates.
Frequently asked questions
What is RAL 7016 in HEX?
RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey) has a HEX approximation of #293133. This is the widely-published mid-range value - RAL is a physical paint standard, and different reference sources vary by 2-5% for the same code. #293133 is close to every commonly-published reference for RAL 7016.
What is RAL 7016 in RGB?
RAL 7016 converts to RGB 41, 49, 51. Its CMYK print approximation is 20/4/0/80. These values are approximations for design reference - always verify against a physical RAL swatch before production, because paint and ink reflect light very differently.
What Pantone color is closest to RAL 7016?
The closest Pantone Solid Coated match to RAL 7016 is 426 C (#25282A), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 3.76. This is a reasonable match but you should verify against physical Pantone chips before production.
What RAL color is closest to RAL 7016?
The closest RAL Classic neighbors to RAL 7016 are RAL 7021 (Black Grey, Delta E 3.3), RAL 7026 (Granite Grey, Delta E 3.6), RAL 6012 (Black Green, Delta E 4.2). RAL codes within the same family typically differ by Delta E 2-8 - close enough to feel like siblings, distinct enough to be visibly different on a physical swatch.
Where is RAL 7016 commonly used?
RAL 7016 is typically used in architecture, machinery, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, and structural metalwork. Its gray tone makes it suitable for neutral, architectural, and structural applications. Verify with a physical swatch under the actual lighting and finish conditions before specifying for a production run.