RAL Classic Dictionary

RAL Color Name Dictionary and Reference

Color names in 6 languages and color specs in RGB and HEX

In 1927 the German 'Reichsausschuß für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung' (State Commission for Delivery Terms and Quality Assurance) invented a collection of 40 colors under the name of "RAL 840". Prior to that date manufacturers and customers had to exchange samples to describe a tint, whereas from then on they would rely on numbers.

In the 1930s the numbers were changed uniformly to four digits and the collection was renamed to "RAL 840 R" (R for revised). With tints constantly added to the collection, it was revised again in 1961 and changed to "RAL 840-HR", which consists of 210 colors and is in use to this day. In the 1960s the colors were given supplemental names to avoid confusion in case of transposed digits.

The RAL colors in this app have been matched as closely as possible. This chart therefore cannot serve as a standard for RAL Color Productions. The color depends on your screen and printer. Use official RAL Color Publications for most accurate color.

The first digit relates to the shade of the color:

RAL 1xxx (Yellow)
RAL 2xxx Orange)
RAL 3xxx (Red)
RAL 4xxx (Violet)
RAL 5xxx (Blue)
RAL 6xxx (Green)
RAL 7xxx (Grey)
RAL 8xxx (Brown)
RAL 9xxx (White/Black)

Recent changes:
RAL Color Name Dictionary and Reference
Color names in 6 languages and color specs in RGB and HEX