Chelsea Gray → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Chelsea Gray
If you love Benjamin Moore Chelsea 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 Benjamin Moore, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Chelsea Gray (HC-168) is a medium-dark gray with warm green-gray undertones. A rich, medium-dark gray with warm green undertones. Sophisticated and grounding without feeling oppressive. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 22.07) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Chelsea 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 results are decent but not perfect. The closest PPG option is Cool Concrete (PPG0994-4) with a Delta E of 4.4, which is a "good match" level match. Cool Concrete is close in depth but cooler. Chelsea Gray's green warmth is distinctive. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
PPG Matches for Chelsea Gray
Cool Concrete is close in depth but cooler. Chelsea Gray's green warmth is distinctive.
| Chelsea Gray | Cool Concrete | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 22.07 | 46 |
| Hex | #9B9890 | #BDBAB5 |
| Undertone | Warm Green-Gray | Cool Neutral Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Chelsea Gray has warm green-gray undertones. A rich, medium-dark gray with warm green undertones. Sophisticated and grounding without feeling oppressive.
Cool Concrete has cool neutral gray undertones. A balanced, cool-leaning mid-tone gray. PPG's most popular true gray. Clean and modern without strong color pulls. The kind of gray that designers love because it stays gray in virtually all conditions.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Chelsea Gray's warm green-gray quality may read differently than Cool Concrete's cool neutral gray character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Chelsea Gray in Your Room
The green undertone is most visible in bright, natural light. In dim rooms, it reads as a classic charcoal gray. Gorgeous on cabinets and accent walls.
Cool Concrete in Your Room
Stays remarkably neutral. Does not pull pink, green, or purple the way many grays do. In warm light, it reads as a balanced gray. In cool light, it stays clean. One of the more predictable grays available.
LRV and Brightness
Chelsea Gray has an LRV of 22.07, while Cool Concrete has an LRV of 46. That means Cool Concrete reflects more light. If you switch from Chelsea Gray to Cool Concrete, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Chelsea Gray
Benjamin Moore recommends Chelsea Gray for: cabinets, accent wall, office, exterior, bathroom vanity. With an LRV of 22.07, this is a medium-dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.
Cool Concrete is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, office, hallway, living room. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Chelsea Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Chelsea Gray equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Chelsea Gray (HC-168) is Cool Concrete (PPG0994-4) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Cool Concrete is close in depth but cooler. Chelsea Gray's green warmth is distinctive. 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. Chelsea Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with warm green-gray undertones and an LRV of 22.07. Cool Concrete is a PPG color with cool neutral gray undertones and an LRV of 46. With a Delta E of 4.4, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. 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 4.4, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
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.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.