If you’ve ever asked, “Red and Blue Make What Color” you’re not alone. These two bold primary colors are often the first pair people experiment with—whether you’re mixing paints in art class, designing a logo, or choosing colors for a room.
The short answer?
When you mix red and blue, you get purple.
But not all purples are the same. Depending on what shades of red and blue you use, and in what amounts, the result can lean warm or cool, bright or deep. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the science and art behind mixing red and blue, so you can create the exact shade of purple you want—every time.
Main takeaway:
Red + Blue = Purple, but the specific tone depends on how you mix them.
Understanding Red and Blue as Primary Colors
Red, blue, and yellow are known as primary colors in subtractive color mixing. That means they can’t be made by combining other colors—they’re the foundation for everything else in painting and print. If you’re curious about how to make red or want to understand why it’s considered a pure hue, check out this detailed guide.
Red is a warm, intense hue often linked to energy and emotion.
Blue is a cool, calming tone that adds depth and balance.
When you mix them, they interact to create purples—ranging from soft lilac to deep indigo.
Why does it matter?
Because they’re pure colors, red and blue produce the most vibrant purples—if you use the right versions (more on that later). Artists and designers rely on them to mix confidently without ending up with muddy or dull results.
Beginner Tip: Always start with clean, bright red and blue paints to get the clearest purple.
What Color Do You Get When Mixing Red and Blue Paint?
When you mix red and blue paint, you get purple—a secondary color on the color wheel. But the kind of purple depends on the shades of red and blue you use and their ratios.
Example 1: Equal Mix of Red and Blue to make Medium purple (1:1)
- Color result: Medium purple Hex code: #800080
- Use case: Great for neutral purples in art projects or decor
Example 2: More Red than Blue to make Reddish purple or magenta (2:1)
- Color result: Reddish purple or magenta Hex code: #C71585
- Use case: Ideal for warm-toned designs and bold makeup looks
Example 3: More Blue than Red to make Bluish purple or violet (1:2)
- Color result: Bluish purple or violet Hex code: #6A5ACD
- Use case: Works well for cool palettes like night skies or water themes
Common Real-Life Example for mixing Red and Blue:
“If you mix equal parts cadmium red and ultramarine blue, you’ll likely get a royal purple. But add a bit more blue, and it shifts toward a dusky indigo—perfect for moody backgrounds.”
Red and Blue Make What Color When Mixed? See the Full Mixing Chart of Color Swatches
If you’re asking, red and blue make what color when mixed together, the simplest answer is purple. But depending on which red and blue pigments you use, the result can vary widely in warmth, brightness, and depth.
| Red Type | Blue Type | Resulting Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadmium Red | Ultramarine Blue | Deep Purple | #5D3A9B |
| Alizarin Crimson | Phthalo Blue | Electric Violet | #6E4BCF |
| Vermilion | Cobalt Blue | Warm Plum | #7A4988 |
| Rose Madder | Cerulean Blue | Dusty Orchid | #9B5DA9 |
| Scarlet Lake | Prussian Blue | Mulberry Purple | #773D84 |
| Naphthol Red | Ultramarine Blue | Royal Grape | #5F4690 |
| Permanent Red | Phthalo Blue | Indigo Purple | #4B3E87 |
| Crimson Lake | Cobalt Blue | Cool Iris | #8360A3 |
| Pyrrole Red | Cerulean Blue | Soft Violet Rose | #8A67A5 |
| Quinacridone Red | Manganese Blue | Lavender Wine | #A66FB2 |
| Light Red | Ultramarine Blue | Burgundy Violet | #6D3C5D |
| Carmine | Phthalo Blue (Red Shade) | Dark Amethyst | #503275 |
| Venetian Red | Cobalt Blue | Vintage Plum | #855276 |
So, red and blue make what color when mixed? The answer is purple, but the type of purple depends entirely on the pigment pairing and ratio.
What Color Does Red and Blue Light Make? (Additive Mixing (RGB) Explained)
If you’re mixing red and blue using light—like on a computer screen, theater spotlight, or LED display—the result is magenta, not purple.
This is because light uses additive color mixing or RGB, where combining colors adds more light, making the result brighter.
Additive Mixing: How It Works
In this system:
- Red + Blue light = Magenta
- Red + Green = Yellow
- All three (Red + Blue + Green) = White Light
Unlike paint, which gets darker the more you mix, light gets brighter as you combine colors.
Example: Think of a neon sign. If red and blue lights shine together, the overlapping section will appear pinkish-purple, not the dull purple you’d get from paint.
Use Cases:
- TVs and monitors
- Digital art
- Theatrical lighting
Subtractive vs. Additive Mixing: How Red and Blue Behave Differently
So why does red + blue make purple in one setting and magenta in another? It all comes down to how light and pigment interact.
| Feature | RYB or Subtractive Mixing (Paint) | Additive Mixing (Light) |
|---|---|---|
| Used In | Paints, inks, markers | Screens, LEDs, stage lights |
| Mix Red + Blue | Purple | Magenta |
| Result of Mixing All | Brown or black | White light |
| Based On | Absorption of light | Emission of light |
Subtractive Mixing RYB (Paints)
When you mix pigments, each one absorbs certain wavelengths. Red absorbs green and blue. Blue absorbs red and green. What’s reflected is purple—what both pigments don’t cancel out.
Additive Mixing (Lights)
Here, you’re adding light waves together. Red and blue light combine their wavelengths and appear as magenta—a light, bright purplish pink.
“Think of subtractive like mixing cake batter, and additive like mixing flashlights.”
How the Ratio of Red to Blue Affects the Final Color
Not all red and blue mixes are created equal. Even a small shift in ratio changes your resulting color dramatically.
Ratio Examples:
| Ratio (Red:Blue) | Resulting Color | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | Balanced Purple | General-purpose, neutral palettes |
| 2:1 | Reddish Purple / Magenta | Warm designs, florals, makeup |
| 1:2 | Bluish Purple / Indigo | Cool themes, galaxy effects |
Why Your Purple Looks Muddy — And How to Fix It
Sometimes, you expect purple and get something closer to brown or gray. If you’ve tried mixing and still wonder, red and blue make what color when mixed together, but end up disappointed, you’re not alone. Here’s what’s going wrong.
Common Issues:
- Pigment Undertones: Many reds and blues have yellow undertones, which cancel out the purple.
- Overmixing: Combining too many colors reduces vibrancy and makes the result muddy.
- Low-Quality Paints: Inexpensive or student-grade paints often contain filler pigments.
How to Fix It:
- Choose a cool red (like Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Red)
- Use a cool blue (like Phthalo Blue or Ultramarine)
- Mix small batches and test on a white surface
- Avoid mixing warm red with warm blue if you want a clear purple
To recap: red and blue make what color when mixed? A clean purple—if you use the right pigments and avoid undertone clashes.
Best Paint Pigments to Mix Red and Blue for Clean Purples
Not all reds and blues mix equally. To consistently create rich, vibrant purples, it’s essential to choose artist-grade pigments with known color behavior.
Recommended Combos for Clear Results:
| Red Pigment | Blue Pigment | Result Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alizarin Crimson | Phthalo Blue | Vivid, slightly cool purple |
| Quinacridone Red | Ultramarine Blue | Deep royal purple |
| Magenta (PR122) | Cerulean Blue | Soft lavender or periwinkle tone |
Tips for Reliable Mixing:
- Always work on a white palette to gauge the true color.
- Mix slowly and in stages; too much blue or red shifts the tone dramatically.
- Let samples dry completely—wet paint can appear different from its final dried color.
In summary, if you’re still wondering what color red and blue make when mixed, the key to success lies in selecting balanced, pure pigments that won’t dull your mix.
Real-Life Examples of Red and Blue Mixing
In everyday use, red and blue make what color when mixed? In traditional painting, artists mix red and blue to create purples for florals, skies, or shadow depth, adjusting the ratio for warmth or coolness. I
n interior design, deep purple—made from red and blue pigments—is used in luxury spaces, while soft purples like lavender (with added white) create calming moods.
In digital media, however, red and blue make magenta, not purple, due to additive color mixing used in screens and lighting. Whether you’re painting a canvas or working in Photoshop, understanding how and where red and blue are used helps you predict the final color result.
What Happens When You Add White, Yellow, or Black?
Now that we’ve answered the basics — what color does red and blue make — let’s see what happens when you modify the mixture. These tweaks are common in painting, graphic work, and DIY crafts.
Red + Blue + White = Lavender or Periwinkle
Adding white lightens the purple result, producing soft pastel tones. This is useful for creating feminine, vintage, or baby-themed designs.
Example: Red + Blue + White = #D3B7E4 (a lavender pastel)
Red + Blue + Black = Eggplant or Deep Plum
Adding black makes the color richer and darker. This is ideal for dramatic interiors, fall fashion palettes, or moody artwork.
Example: Red + Blue + Black = #3B244D (a muted, shadowy purple)
Red + Blue + Yellow = Brown or Gray
Adding yellow neutralizes the mix and results in a muddy tone. This happens because red, blue, and yellow together form the basis of most browns. This is generally avoided when the goal is a clean purple.
If your goal is a pure result and you’re still wondering, red and blue make what color when mixed with other colors, remember:
- White = softens
- Black = deepens
- Yellow = dulls
Mixing Red and Blue in Paint vs. Digital Media
In paint and in pixels, mixing red and blue creates very different results. Knowing the difference between subtractive and additive mixing helps you achieve better outcomes.
In Paint (Subtractive Mixing)
- Red and blue pigments absorb light.
- What reflects is a physical purple made by subtracting yellow and green wavelengths.
- The more you mix, the darker it gets.
Paint example:
Red (Cadmium) + Blue (Ultramarine) = Royal Purple
In Light (Additive Mixing)
- Red and blue lights add wavelengths together.
- They create magenta, a bright purplish-pink seen on screens and in neon.
Light example:
Red light + Blue light = Magenta (used in RGB digital systems)
This is why what color red and blue make changes depending on whether you’re working in a physical medium or a digital one. Artists must use pigment knowledge; designers rely on screen color behavior.
Tips for Artists: How to Mix Clean, Vivid Purples from Red and Blue
If you’ve ever asked, “red and blue make what color when mixed, and how can I get the right shade?”, this section is for you. While the theory says purple, the actual result often depends on technique and materials.
Use Cool Pigments
Not all reds and blues are created equal. To get clean, bright purple, you need to use cool versions of red and blue. These have undertones that lean away from yellow.
- Best red choices: Alizarin Crimson, Quinacridone Red
- Best blue choices: Ultramarine, Phthalo Blue
Avoid warm reds like Cadmium Red Light and warm blues like Cerulean if your goal is a true purple—they often contain yellow, which neutralizes your mix.
Mix on a White Palette
Use a white mixing surface so you can clearly see the undertones. Always test small amounts before committing to a full canvas or batch.
Add in Layers
Build your color slowly. Start with red, add blue a little at a time, and adjust as you go. This prevents overmixing and helps you fine-tune the temperature of your purple.
The answer to “what color does red and blue make when mixed together” is purple—but only if you respect pigment behavior and keep your mixing process clean and intentional.
Purple in Fashion and Interior Design
Beyond the color wheel, let’s look at how the red and blue mix plays out in real-world aesthetics. If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or flipped through a design catalog and wondered “red and blue make what color when mixed?”, the answer can be seen in mood boards, wardrobes, and living rooms.
Fashion
Purple is a bold, expressive color that appears in both high fashion and casual wear. Lighter purples like lilac are seen in spring collections, while deeper hues like plum and eggplant dominate fall and winter wardrobes. These shades, derived from red and blue mixes, convey royalty, mystery, and creativity.
Interior Design
Purple walls or decor items create a statement. Deep purples are often used in accent walls to add drama to a space, while pastel purples make rooms feel softer and more tranquil. Designers mix various tones of red and blue to get the perfect purple that complements other neutrals or jewel tones.
So if you’re decorating and asking yourself, “what color does red and blue make?”, think of rich purples that bring elegance and personality to any space.
Where Purple Sits on the Color Wheel
On the traditional artist’s color wheel, red and blue are primary colors, and the result of their mix—purple—is a secondary color. Understanding this placement helps you see how purple relates to other colors and how it can be used in harmonious color schemes.
Between Red and Blue
Purple is positioned right between red and blue, confirming it as a natural result of their blend. It shares qualities of both—warmth from red and coolness from blue—making it a versatile middle-ground hue.
Complementary Colors
Opposite purple on the color wheel is yellow, its complementary color. Using purple and yellow together creates strong visual contrast. This pairing is common in branding, sports team colors, and floral design.
Analogous Colors
Colors next to purple—like red-purple and blue-purple—can be used together in analogous color schemes. These create calm, flowing designs often used in interiors, watercolor painting, and digital branding.
If you’re ever unsure about combining colors, the color wheel reminds you that red and blue make what color when mixed? The answer is a flexible secondary color that can warm up or cool down a palette depending on your needs.
Conclusion: What Color Does Red and Blue Make?
In short, red and blue make purple when mixed with paint, and magenta when mixed as light. The exact shade depends on the pigments or light sources you’re using, and the ratio between them.
If your mix looks muddy, it’s likely due to warm undertones or overmixing. For clean, vivid purples, choose cool reds and blues and test before committing.
So the next time someone asks, “What color does red and blue make when mixed?”, you’ll know—it’s all about context, color temperature, and technique.
FAQs
1. What color does red and blue make when mixed?
When mixed in paint, red and blue make purple, a secondary color. The specific shade—such as lavender, plum, or indigo—depends on the exact red and blue pigments and how much of each you use.
2. Do red and blue always make purple?
No, not always. In light mixing, like on digital screens, red and blue make magenta, not purple. This is due to additive mixing, which behaves differently from physical pigments.
3. Why does my red and blue mix turn brown or gray?
This happens when one or both colors contain yellow undertones. It can also result from mixing low-quality or “dirty” pigments. Using warm reds or blues often leads to a muted or muddy result.
4. How do I make red and blue create a vibrant purple?
Use cool-toned pigments like Quinacridone Red and Ultramarine Blue. Avoid warm reds like Cadmium Red or warm blues like Cerulean if your goal is a clean, vivid purple.
5. What color do red and blue make on a digital screen?
On a screen, red and blue light make magenta, not purple. This is because digital colors follow additive mixing, where combining wavelengths creates brighter hues.
6. Can I make purple without using red and blue?
In paint, no—red and blue are the primary colors needed to create purple. You can tweak purple by adding white, black, or even small touches of other colors, but the base still needs red and blue.
7. What happens when I add white, yellow, or black to red and blue?
White softens purple into lavender or pastel tones.
Black deepens the color into plum or eggplant.
Yellow neutralizes it and may turn it brown or gray.
