Porpoise → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Sherwin Williams Porpoise (SW 7047), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Porpoise
If you love Sherwin Williams Porpoise but need a Behr 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 Behr, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Porpoise (SW 7047) is a dark brown with warm dark brown undertones. A warm, dark brown with taupe undertones. Named for the marine mammal. Between Urbane Bronze and Mink in character. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 12) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Porpoise and every Behr 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 Behr option is Dark Granite (PPU18-03) with a Delta E of 4.4, which is a "good match" level match. Dark Granite is grayer. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Porpoise
Dark Granite is grayer.
| Porpoise | Dark Granite | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 12 | 12 |
| Hex | #756C63 | #716E6A |
| Undertone | Warm Dark Brown | Warm Dark Granite |
| Family | Brown | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Porpoise has warm dark brown undertones. A warm, dark brown with taupe undertones. Named for the marine mammal. Between Urbane Bronze and Mink in character.
Dark Granite has warm dark granite undertones. A warm, dark gray with granite-like undertones. Darker than Off Broadway, lighter than Underground. The warm brown keeps it earthy.
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
Porpoise in Your Room
In bright light, the warm brown is rich. In dim rooms, a warm near-black. Earthy and grounding.
Dark Granite in Your Room
In bright rooms, a warm dark gray. In dim rooms, approaches charcoal. The warm brown gives it character.
LRV and Brightness
Porpoise has an LRV of 12, while Dark Granite has an LRV of 12. 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 Porpoise
Sherwin Williams recommends Porpoise for: accent wall, exterior, front door, cabinets, office. With an LRV of 12, this is a 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.
Dark Granite is recommended for: accent wall, exterior, cabinets, front door, office. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Dark Granite in the same rooms you planned for Porpoise.
Porpoise in Other Brands
Looking for Porpoise equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Porpoise (SW 7047) is Dark Granite (PPU18-03) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Dark Granite is grayer. 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. Porpoise is a Sherwin Williams color with warm dark brown undertones and an LRV of 12. Dark Granite is a Behr color with warm dark granite undertones and an LRV of 12. 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 Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr 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.