united kingdom flag color code

UNITED KINGDOM FLAG COLORS: RGB & Hex Code

By Jessica YoungApril 27, 2026

The United Kingdom Flag, known as the Union Jack, is a globally recognised symbol of unity and heritage. Its distinctive design, a combination of the Crosses of St. George, St. Andrew, and St. Patrick, encapsulates the union of the four nations of the UK: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Understanding the colour code of the Union Jack enriches its historical and cultural significance.

To identify the United Kingdom flag colour code, we firstly need to recognise the official colour names. The flag mainly comprises three colours: red, white, and blue. However, for a more specific color match, Pantone Matching System (PMS) and Hexadecimal colour codes are frequently used. Let's dive deeper into these.

Official Colour Names

The official colours of the Union Jack are straightforward. From the outermost to the innermost ring, they are:

the british flag is shown in white and yellow

Red: Representing England
White: Symbolising Scotland
Blue: Denoting Northern Ireland
Red (inner): Signifying Wales

These colours hold historical and cultural significance, tracing back to the individual flags of the nations before their union.

While the official names are clear, they don’t provide specific colour matching details. To achieve that, we move to more precise colour codes.

the flags of england and wales are shown in this worksheet

Decode the Flag: What Colors & Symbols Really Mean (Student-Friendly Guide) 🌍

PMS Colours

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardised colour matching system used in various industries. The Union Jack's PMS colours are:

PMS 185 (Red)
PMS 116 (Blue)

The white, being an achromatic colour, doesn't have a PMS number as it can't be matched exactly due to its relative colorlessness.

Hexadecimal Colours

Hexadecimal colour codes are another commonly used system, based on three primary colours: red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The RGB values for the Union Jack in hexadecimal are:

the british flag is shown in red, white and blue

the british flag is shown in three different states, including great britain and great britain

Red: #CE1126
Blue: #002868

Again, white is not represented in this system as it's an absence of colour.

Reproduction and Usage Guidelines

Theicolours have a profound impact on the flag's appearance and legibility. According to the UK's Flag Institute, the red and blue colour shades should be as close to their given codes as possible. This ensures the flag maintains its distinct imagery and historical integrity.

For screen reproduction, the use of the RGB colour spaces is recommended. For print production, the CMYK colour space should be used to ensure correct colour reproduction. These guidelines maintain the flag's recognisability, whether on digital platforms or physical displays.

the flags of different countries are shown in this graphic style, including scotland, st andrews's cross, union jack, and the united kingdom of england

the flags of different countries are shown in this diagram

Occasion-Specific Colours

In some instances, notably for Admiralty Flags, the Union Jack can be depicted in gold. In such cases, the gold colour code to be used is Pantone UG (Uncoated Process Gold) or Hexadecimal #D4AF37.

Understanding the colour codes behind the Union Jack offers a fascinating insight into its design, history, and cultural symbolism. As a representation of unity and shared heritage, its colours deserve careful consideration in all contexts. Whether in digital spaces or physical displays, upholding the correct colour codes ensures that the Union Jack remains a powerful and instantly recognisable icon of the United Kingdom.