Tetradic (Square) Colour Scheme Generator
Enter any colour and find three evenly spaced partner colours — a four-colour tetradic scheme built from two complementary pairs.
Choose a Base Colour
Your Tetradic Colours
Base
#4A7C59
+90°
#4A547C
+180°
#7C4A6D
+270°
#7C724A
How to Use the Tetradic Colour Scheme Generator
Enter a HEX colour code, or use the Random Colour button, and the tool calculates three partner colours spaced 90, 180 and 270 degrees around the colour wheel, forming a four-colour tetradic (square) scheme.
How the Maths Works
The tool converts your colour to Hue, Saturation and Lightness, then rotates the hue by +90, +180 and +270 degrees while keeping saturation and lightness unchanged, before converting each result back to HEX. This creates two complementary pairs at right angles to each other on the colour wheel.
Using Tetradic Colours in Your Artwork
A tetradic scheme offers the richest colour variety of the standard harmony types, since it uses four colours instead of two or three. Because it can be visually busy, it usually works best when one colour dominates the composition and the other three are used in smaller, carefully balanced amounts.
Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tetradic (square) colour scheme?
A tetradic or square colour scheme uses four colours spaced evenly around the colour wheel, at 90, 180 and 270 degrees from a base colour, forming two complementary pairs.
How does this tool calculate tetradic colours?
It converts your colour to Hue, Saturation and Lightness, rotates the hue by +90, +180 and +270 degrees while keeping saturation and lightness unchanged, and converts each result back to a HEX code.
How is this different from triadic colours?
Triadic uses three colours spaced 120 degrees apart. Tetradic (square) uses four colours spaced 90 degrees apart, giving two complementary pairs instead of one three-way split.
Is a tetradic scheme hard to use?
It can be, since four colours in equal amounts often looks busy. Most artists let one colour dominate the composition and use the other three as smaller accents.
How many colours does the tool show?
Four: your base colour, plus three partners at +90, +180 and +270 degrees.
Can I use this for mixing paint?
The tool works with digital HSL colour approximations. Real paints and pigments mix differently to light, so always test a physical swatch before committing to a final artwork.
Does the tool save or store my colours?
No. All calculations happen in your browser and nothing is saved or sent to a server.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes, the Tetradic Colour Scheme Generator is completely free to use, with no account, sign-up or download required.
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Browse All Colour Tools Shop Art KitsPlease note: Digital colour values shown here are approximate and for planning and educational purposes only. Screens, printers, paint brands, pigments, paper and lighting conditions can all affect how a colour actually appears in real life. Always test your paint mixes on a scrap surface before applying them to your artwork.