Functional Gray → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Sherwin Williams Functional Gray (SW 7024), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Functional Gray
If you love Sherwin Williams Functional 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 Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Functional Gray (SW 7024) is a medium gray with warm gray undertones. A warm, functional mid-tone gray. Less beige than greige, less cool than a true gray. Right in the middle. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 44) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Functional 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 Functional Gray. Online Alt (PPG0994-4) comes in with a Delta E of 2.2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Online Alt is the closest PPG option at LRV 45. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Functional Gray
Online Alt is the closest PPG option at LRV 45. Very close match.
| Functional Gray | Online Alt | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 44 | 45 |
| Hex | #BBB7B0 | #BCBBB7 |
| Undertone | Warm Gray | Cool Silver Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Functional Gray has warm gray undertones. A warm, functional mid-tone gray. Less beige than greige, less cool than a true gray. Right in the middle.
Online Alt has cool silver gray undertones. A cool silver-gray. Between Thin Ice and Cool Concrete. PPG's most balanced mid-light gray.
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. Functional Gray's warm gray quality may read differently than Online Alt's cool silver 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
Functional Gray in Your Room
Versatile and balanced. Reads as a warm gray without strong color pulls.
Online Alt in Your Room
Cool and balanced. A reliable neutral gray at a versatile depth.
LRV and Brightness
Functional Gray has an LRV of 44, while Online Alt has an LRV of 45. 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 Functional Gray
Sherwin Williams recommends Functional Gray for: living room, bedroom, hallway, bathroom, office. With an LRV of 44, this is a medium 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.
Online Alt is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, hallway, office, 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.
Functional Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Functional Gray equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Functional Gray (SW 7024) is Online Alt (PPG0994-4) with a Delta E of 2.2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Online Alt is the closest PPG option at LRV 45. 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. Functional Gray is a Sherwin Williams color with warm gray undertones and an LRV of 44. Online Alt is a PPG color with cool silver gray undertones and an LRV of 45. With a Delta E of 2.2, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. 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 2.2, 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.