Clary Sage → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Sherwin Williams Clary Sage (SW 6178), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Clary Sage
If you love Sherwin Williams Clary Sage 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 Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Clary Sage (SW 6178) is a medium-dark green with muted sage undertones. A muted sage green. Earthy and organic. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 34) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Clary Sage 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 Clary Sage. Olive Sprig (PPG1125-4) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Olive Sprig is the closest PPG option at LRV 34. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Clary Sage
Olive Sprig is the closest PPG option at LRV 34. Very close match.
| Clary Sage | Olive Sprig | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 34 | 34 |
| Hex | #ADB2A3 | #ABB2A3 |
| Undertone | Muted Sage | Muted Olive Sage |
| Family | Green | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Clary Sage has muted sage undertones. A muted sage green. Earthy and organic.
Olive Sprig has muted olive sage undertones. A muted olive-sage green with gray undertones. Earthy and organic, like dried herbs or sage leaves. More saturated than a sage gray, less bold than a true olive. PPG's 2022 Color of the Year.
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
Clary Sage in Your Room
Soft sage in bright rooms. Warm gray-green in dim rooms.
Olive Sprig in Your Room
In bright light, the green is soft and organic. In dim rooms, the gray takes over, giving it a moody, natural quality. The olive lean distinguishes it from bluer greens.
LRV and Brightness
Clary Sage has an LRV of 34, while Olive Sprig has an LRV of 34. 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 Clary Sage
Sherwin Williams recommends Clary Sage for: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, exterior. With an LRV of 34, 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.
Olive Sprig is recommended for: kitchen, living room, bedroom, exterior, accent wall. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Olive Sprig in the same rooms you planned for Clary Sage.
Clary Sage in Other Brands
Looking for Clary Sage equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Clary Sage (SW 6178) is Olive Sprig (PPG1125-4) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Olive Sprig is the closest PPG option at LRV 34. 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. Clary Sage is a Sherwin Williams color with muted sage undertones and an LRV of 34. Olive Sprig is a PPG color with muted olive sage undertones and an LRV of 34. 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.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.