Delta E

/ˈdɛltə iː/

General Definition

Delta E (ΔE), which stands for "difference in perception of color," is the standard metric in Color Management used to measure the distance between two colors within a color space. This metric yields a single numerical value that indicates the degree of difference between a target color and a sampled color. Delta E is calculated based on mathematical formulas in a device-independent color space such as L*a*b*. The main goal of Delta E is to convert the complex human perception of color into a simple, measurable numerical value for quality assurance.

Real-World Usage

In the printing and packaging industry, Delta E is used as the primary tool to define and monitor the Tolerance for brand colors. The lower the Delta E value, the closer the match between the sample color and the reference color. For example, agreeing on a ΔE<2.0 for a project means that the color difference between the printed sample and the standard color must remain below this threshold. This criterion is vital because it quickly allows operators and print supervisors to determine whether the color quality is within the acceptable range for the customer.

However, Delta E is only an overall value and has serious limitations, especially in older versions like ΔE76. These versions do not completely align with how the human eye perceives color (for example, they overestimate the difference in gray colors and underestimate it in yellows). For this reason, modern standards such as ISO recommend using advanced versions like ΔE00, which include corrections for human visual perception. These versions provide greater accuracy in managing difficult and sensitive colors.

Consultant's Note

As a color consultant, it is suggested that, you never rely solely on an overall Delta E for color-critical projects. In contracts, be sure to define the tolerance threshold based on ΔE00, as this metric is the best representative of human perception in current standards. But more important than the final Delta E number is monitoring the L*a*b* values. A Delta E value could be the result of a deviation in L only (lightness) or a only (green/red); you need to know which component is the problem so you can correct it on the press.

Relying entirely on Delta E without understanding Spectral Data is misleading. While Delta E tells you "how much difference exists," Spectral Data tells you "why the difference exists." Using Delta E as a quick quality control metric on the production line is fine, but for root-cause analysis and correction of color defects, you should always use the raw data from the Spectrophotometer. Your goal should be to move beyond accepting the 2010 standard and towards scientific color control.

Packdemy Council Insight

Derek Peacock

Strategic Advisor

Delta E is a numerical expression of color difference, but in industrial print it is a decision tool—not a quality guarantee.

In production environments, Delta E quantifies the distance between a reference color and a measured result within a defined color space. Different formulas exist, most commonly ΔE*ab (CIELAB) and ΔE00, each weighting hue, chroma, and lightness differently. Crucially, the chosen formula directly affects pass–fail judgments, yet this is often overlooked in specifications.

From a consultant’s perspective, Delta E must always be interpreted in context: measurement condition (M0, M1, M2), substrate fluorescence, illuminant, and observer angle materially influence results. A numerically “acceptable” Delta E can still produce a visible mismatch on shelf, while a higher value may be visually indistinguishable in use.

Advanced control means aligning Delta E methodology with visual intent, viewing conditions, and risk tolerance. Delta E measures difference—but governance decides acceptability.

Aligned with: FOGRA / Idealliance / ISO 12647