Color wheels are convenient for comparing colors expressed in polar or cylindrical coordinates, like hsl() , hwb() , or lch() .

In such cases, complementary colors are often found opposite on the same diameter. Similarly, monochromatic colors – colors of the same tone but of different shades – are located on the same radius, and triadic colors – three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel that lead to colors that work well together – are also easy to find.

Color wheels are used in real life when we want to choose between different hues. For example, when selecting wall paint or the color for a piece of furniture.

In the digital world, color wheels are used in color pickers , like the default one on macOS: