What is an NCS colour code?
The Natural Color System (NCS) is a scientific colour system that describes colours as the human eye perceives them. Each colour is assigned a unique NCS code.
What does an NCS code look like?
A standard NCS colour code consists of several components, for example:
S 2050-Y90R
(Standard, Nuance, Hue)
Structure of the code:
- S= Standard (second edition, 2050 colours)
- 20= Blackness
- 50= Chromaticness (saturation)
- Y90R= Hue (90% yellow, 10% red)
The six elementary colours
NCS is based on six elementary colours that everyone recognises:
White (W)
Black (S)
Yellow (Y)
Red (R)
Blue (B)
Green (G)
Why use NCS?
✓ Universally applicable
NCS is independent of material or medium. The same code works for paint, textiles, plastic, digital and print.
✓ Standardised
A global standard used by designers, architects and industry.
✓ Intuitive
Based on natural colour perception, not on technical RGB or CMYK values.
Practical use
With an NCS colour fan deck you can:
- Select and communicate colours accurately
- Design colour harmonies and colour schemes
- Identify and match existing colours
- Assess colour differences objectively