What color are the arches in McDonald’s most recognizable logo?

The arches in McDonald’s most recognizable logo are golden yellow.

The yellow arches are one of the clearest visual signals in McDonald’s branding. They originated in the architectural arches used on early restaurant buildings and were later combined into the familiar “M” emblem. Their bright color helped the symbol stand out on roadside signs, restaurant exteriors, packaging, and advertising.

People sometimes describe the symbol simply as the “Golden Arches,” but that name refers to both the arches’ shape and their golden-yellow appearance. The logo has appeared with different surrounding colors and design treatments over time, yet the yellow arches remain its central element.

The color should not be confused with McDonald’s frequent use of red in signs and packaging. Red has been an important supporting brand color, while the arches themselves are conventionally identified as golden yellow.