Finding a PPG Equivalent for Sage Gray

If you love Behr Sage Gray but need a PPG alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers PPG, your local store does not carry Behr, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.

Sage Gray (PPU11-07) is a medium-dark green with cool sage green-gray undertones. A muted sage green-gray that straddles the line between green and gray. Cool and calming, with just enough green to feel organic without being overtly colorful. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 35) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.

We calculated the perceptual color distance between Sage Gray and every PPG color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.

The good news: there is a strong PPG match for Sage Gray. Dusty Miller Alt 2 (PPG1133-4) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Dusty Miller Alt 2 is the closest PPG option. Very close match.

PPG Matches for Sage Gray

Dusty Miller Alt 2 PPG1133-4
Excellent match · ΔE 2

Dusty Miller Alt 2 is the closest PPG option. Very close match.

Sage GrayDusty Miller Alt 2
LRV3535
Hex#ACB2A9#ABB4A8
UndertoneCool Sage Green-GraySoft Willow Green
FamilyGreenGreen

Undertone Comparison

Sage Gray has cool sage green-gray undertones. A muted sage green-gray that straddles the line between green and gray. Cool and calming, with just enough green to feel organic without being overtly colorful.

Dusty Miller Alt 2 has soft willow green undertones. A soft green named for the graceful willow tree. Between Olive Sprig and Dusty Miller in depth. Calming and organic.

These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.

How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting

Sage Gray in Your Room

In bright natural light, the sage green is clearly visible. In dim rooms or at evening, it settles into a soft cool gray. Pairs beautifully with warm wood tones to keep the palette from feeling cold.

Dusty Miller Alt 2 in Your Room

The green is soft and organic. In bright rooms, a gentle sage. In dim rooms, a warm green-gray.

LRV and Brightness

Sage Gray has an LRV of 35, while Dusty Miller Alt 2 has an LRV of 35. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.

Best Rooms for Sage Gray

Behr recommends Sage Gray for: bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, exterior. With an LRV of 35, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.

Dusty Miller Alt 2 is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, exterior. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Dusty Miller Alt 2 in the same rooms you planned for Sage Gray.

Sage Gray in Other Brands

Looking for Sage Gray equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest PPG match for Sage Gray (PPU11-07) is Dusty Miller Alt 2 (PPG1133-4) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Dusty Miller Alt 2 is the closest PPG option. Very close match. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.

No, they are not identical. Sage Gray is a Behr color with cool sage green-gray undertones and an LRV of 35. Dusty Miller Alt 2 is a PPG color with soft willow green undertones and an LRV of 35. With a Delta E of 2, these are extremely close and most people will not spot the difference on a wall. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.

With a Delta E of 2, these colors are close enough to use in separate rooms of the same house without a jarring difference. However, avoid painting them on adjacent walls in the same room, as even subtle differences become apparent at a hard edge where two paints meet. For the smoothest result, use one brand consistently within each connected space and reserve the other brand for rooms that are visually separated.

There are several practical reasons to look for a PPG equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in PPG. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing PPG work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.

Colors on screen are approximations. Your monitor, lighting, and paint finish will affect how colors appear in your space. Always test with a physical paint sample before purchasing.

Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 26, 2026.