Color Difference Calculator

Compare two HEX colors with a transparent, reproducible Delta E 1976 calculation and view each color in LAB.

Color A

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Color B

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—CIE76 ΔE*ab

Multi-formula Delta E evidence

Use the same two HEX colors from the primary CIE76 calculator to compare CIE76, CIE94, and CIEDE2000, inspect signed Lab changes, and copy a formula-labeled QC note.

CIE94 application

Color A

Color B

Reproducible comparison

Enter two valid HEX colors in the primary calculator, then refresh.

Color and accessibility boundaries

HEX/RGB/HSL/HSV/OKLCH conversions are numerical color-model operations. CMYK output is an RGB-derived approximation rather than ICC-profiled print proofing. WCAG contrast ratios measure luminance contrast only and do not certify a full interface. Color-blindness previews are design simulations, not medical tests.

How to use the Color Difference Calculator

Enter two HEX colors to convert each to D65 CIE L*a*b* and calculate their Euclidean ΔE*ab distance.

Method

This page uses the simple CIE76 formula. It is reproducible and useful for basic comparison, but newer ΔE formulas can model perceptual differences differently in demanding color-management workflows.

Practical guide and verification

Use the tool first, then apply these checks to verify the inputs, interpret the result, and hand it off without displacing the primary workflow.

Choose the Delta E formula that fits the workflow

CIE76 is simple Euclidean distance in Lab and is useful for transparent math, but it is not equally perceptual across the color space. CIE94 and CIEDE2000 add weighting for lightness, chroma, and hue. Record the formula with the number because the same color pair can produce materially different Delta E values.

Use Lab component differences to explain the direction

Delta E is a magnitude. The signed differences in L*, a*, and b* show whether the second color is lighter or darker, shifts toward red/green, or shifts toward yellow/blue under the chosen Lab conversion. This directional evidence is often more actionable than a single pass/fail threshold when adjusting a design or print sample.

Do not turn a generic threshold into a universal tolerance

Rules such as “under 1 is invisible” are rough perceptual guides, not universal acceptance criteria. Industry tolerances depend on material, illumination, observer conditions, process capability, and the formula used. Use the calculator to reproduce the numeric comparison, then apply the specification that governs the actual job.

Screen HEX values do not replace instrument measurements

The tool converts sRGB-style HEX values mathematically into Lab under fixed reference assumptions. Real print, paint, fabric, and product-color quality control may require calibrated measurements, profiles, illuminant conditions, and spectrophotometer data. Treat screen-entered values as digital color evidence, not a substitute for physical measurement.