Delta E Calculator
Calculate perceptual color difference between two colors using CIEDE2000 formula. Professional-grade color analysis tool essential for quality control, color matching, and ensuring consistent brand colors across digital and print mediums.
Continue Your Colors Journey
What is Delta E Calculator?
Delta E calculator measures perceptual difference between two LAB colors using CIE76, CIE94, and CIEDE2000 formulas. Enter L*, a*, and b* values for both colors to get all three scores side by side. Use the result for print tolerance checks, product color matching, display calibration, and color science work.
How does Delta E Calculator work?
This tool implements three standard Delta E formulas. CIE76 is the Euclidean distance between two LAB points. CIE94 adds weighting factors for lightness, chroma, and hue. CIE2000 includes additional corrections for neutral colors, blue region, and lightness. The output shows all three values so you can choose the appropriate one for your application.
Key Features
- Calculates Delta E CIE76, CIE94, and CIE2000
- Enter L*a*b* values for two colors
- Shows all three formulas side by side
- Interpretation guide for Delta E values
- Copy results to clipboard
- Distinguishes Euclidean, weighted, and perceptual formula results
- Six decimal place precision
- Real-time calculation
Common Use Cases
Print color quality control
Compare a printed sample against a target color to verify the print run is within tolerance.
Manufacturing color matching
Measure the color difference between a product and its specification for batch consistency.
Display calibration
Compare a displayed color against a reference to assess monitor accuracy.
Color science research
Calculate Delta E values for experiments studying color perception.
How to Use This Tool
Enter LAB values for color 1
Type the L*, a*, and b* values for the first color.
Enter LAB values for color 2
Type the L*, a*, and b* values for the second color.
View the Delta E values
The tool shows CIE76, CIE94, and CIE2000 results.
Interpret the result
Use the interpretation guide to understand whether the difference is perceptible.
Pro Tips
- 1
Delta E below 1: imperceptible. 1-2: barely noticeable. 2-3.5: noticeable. Above 3.5: clearly different.
- 2
CIE2000 is the most accurate for modern applications but CIE76 is still widely used for simplicity.
- 3
For print, a Delta E (CIE2000) below 2 is typically acceptable.
- 4
Convert your RGB or hex colors to LAB before using this calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delta E?
Delta E is a numerical measure of the perceived difference between two colors. A lower value means the colors are more similar. It is widely used in color science, print, and manufacturing.
Which formula should I use?
CIE2000 is the most perceptually accurate and recommended for modern applications. CIE76 is simpler but less accurate. CIE94 is a middle ground.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. The Delta E calculator performs calculations locally in the browser. Nothing is transmitted.
How do I convert hex to LAB?
Use a color converter to go from hex to RGB to XYZ to LAB, then enter the LAB values here.
What Delta E is acceptable for print?
For most print applications, a Delta E (CIE2000) below 2 is considered acceptable. Critical color work may require below 1.