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Color Difference Calculator: Delta E and CIEDE2000

This free color difference calculator measures how far apart two colors look. It reports Delta E 76 and CIEDE2000, the standard measures used in printing, paint matching and display testing.

By Debmedia Technologies LLP · Kolkata, India · Updated

What Is It and When Do You Need It?

Delta E is the standard way to say how much two colors differ. Printers use it to check that a proof matches a file, paint makers use it for batches, and display reviewers use it to test color accuracy.

Enter two colors and read both Delta E 76 and CIEDE2000, plus a plain-language verdict.

How to Use This Tool

  1. Type the first color.
  2. Type the second color.
  3. Press Compare.
  4. Read the two values and the verdict.

How the Calculation Works

Both colors are converted to CIE LAB (D65). Delta E 76 is the straight distance √(ΔL² + Δa² + Δb²). CIEDE2000 applies the full formula from the CIE (2001), with weighting functions for lightness, chroma, hue and a rotation term for blue colors.

Worked Example

#1d4ed8 against #2563eb has a CIEDE2000 value of about 7, a noticeable but small difference. White against #fefefe is 0.2, which no one can see.

Common Uses

  • Checking print proofs against screens.
  • Matching paint or fabric.
  • Brand color consistency.
  • Testing whether two UI colors are distinct.

Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Use CIEDE2000 for most work; use CIE76 for quick checks.
  • Screens vary, so lab tools matter for critical work.
  • For text legibility, use the contrast checker instead.

Next, you may need the color contrast checker, color blindness simulator, color name finder, color converter.

Everything runs in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded, stored or sent to any outside service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delta E is a number that tells how different two colors look. Zero means identical. A value of about 1 is the smallest difference most people can see.
CIE76 is the plain distance in LAB space and is simple. CIEDE2000 adds corrections for lightness, chroma and hue, and matches human judgment better.
Under 1 is not noticeable, 1 to 2 is only visible to a trained eye, 2 to 10 is noticeable at a glance, and over 50 looks like a different color.
CIE76 treats all directions in LAB equally, while CIEDE2000 gives less weight to differences in very saturated colors, where the eye is less sensitive.

Disclaimer: results are calculated in your browser from the numbers you enter. Check important results before you rely on them for money, health, safety or legal decisions.