Short answer: Delta E is a number for the difference between a standard colour and a measured sample. Sources give reference points, such as 2.3 as a just-noticeable difference on CIE76 and 2.0 as a typical printing limit, but agree that no single value fits all jobs. Agree the formula, light and tolerance in writing before approval.
Formula versions
| Version | What the source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CIE76 | The first formula relating a measured colour difference to CIELAB coordinates; it rates saturated colours too highly | [1], [3] |
| CIE94 | Adds weighting factors, with different values for graphic arts and textiles | [1], [3] |
| CIEDE2000 (Delta E 00) | Published in 2001 with corrections including a blue-region hue term; Datacolor says it and CMC are preferred for many industrial workflows | [1], [2] |
Reference points the sources give
| Point | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Just noticeable difference on CIE76 | About 2.3 | [1] |
| Typical printing limit | 2.0 under D50, though some processes require up to 5.0 | [1] |
| Trained observer sees a difference at | About 2 to 3 | [3] |
| Untrained observer sees a difference at | About 5 to 6 | [3] |
| Single acceptable value | None; it depends on the algorithm, where the product is placed, who evaluates it and the colour itself | [3] |
Datacolor gives no numeric tolerance and says limits should be set by product, colour family, material and end-use risk [2].
What to write down before approval
- [ ] Name one formula and use it every time, for example CIEDE2000 [2]
- [ ] State the illuminant and observer, geometry, instrument and how the sample is prepared [2]
- [ ] State the tolerance number and who agreed it [2]
- [ ] Agree what happens when instrument and eye disagree [2]
- [ ] View under consistent lighting, background and conditions [2]
- [ ] Review the tolerance when materials, suppliers or instruments change [2]
Colour set-up topics are on colour management for print and soft proof or hard proof. This page states no tolerance for any maker.
Questions answered
What does Delta E measure?
Datacolor describes it as the difference between a colour standard and a measured sample.
Is there one Delta E value that passes every job?
No. Both Datacolor and PRINTING United Alliance say no single acceptable value exists; it depends on the job, material and viewers.
Should the instrument replace the eye?
Datacolor says Delta E should support visual assessment, not replace it.
Sources
| No. | Source page | Publisher | Fetched |
|---|---|---|---|
| [1] | Color difference | Wikipedia | 2026-11-13 |
| [2] | Delta E tolerances guidance article | Datacolor | 2026-11-13 |
| [3] | Dissecting Delta E and the Mathematical Difference Between Colors | PRINTING United Alliance | 2026-11-13 |
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As of 2026-11-13. General information, not legal, customs or tax advice. Wording is paraphrased from the pages linked above; your written quote and contract govern. Examples use invented numbers unless a source is named.