Ref. #CBCCC9 · 7064
Passive
60%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Passive Technical Profile
What color is Passive? It's a light neutral gray with the hex code #CBCCC9. Colors similar to Passive include Benjamin Moore Perspectivereg, Vista Paint Fading Fog, Benjamin Moore Metro Gray. Passive has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. At LRV 60, Passive sits in the comfortable mid-light range — bright enough for living areas yet soft enough for bedrooms, and adaptable across most lighting conditions. Passive is a true neutral — pair with any wood, any metal, any trim color. Off-white trim works in most homes; brushed nickel or matte black hardware both read well across spaces. True neutrals read consistently across lighting conditions, which is why they're popular base colors. They inherit a faint warm cast under 2700K and a cool cast under 4000K, but never dramatically.
Colors Similar to Passive
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Passive
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Passive
#CBCCC9
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8BAD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Passive
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Passive Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Sherwin-Williams Colors
Other Sherwin-Williams colors close to Passive.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Passive — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Passive have?
Passive by Sherwin-Williams has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Passive from other brands?
The closest matches are Perspectivereg by Benjamin Moore (#CCCECB), Fading Fog by Vista Paint (#CBCBC7), Metro Gray by Benjamin Moore (#CBCBC9). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Passive?
Passive has an LRV of 60.1, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Passive
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Passive's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.