The X-Rite Color Challenge and Hue Test

Get the Facts

• Did you know that 1 out of 255 women and 1 out of 12 men have some form of color vision deficiency?
• Did you know that your ability to accurately see color depends on many factors? Here’s why your results might be different each time you take the test?
• Did you know that the official test – the FM 100 Hue Test – has been used in the industry and in government applications for over 60+ years?
• Did you know that your score on this test is influenced by the lighting around you, the background colors at your desk area, your level of tiredness, your gender, and even your age?

Intrigued? Learn about the many factors that influence color perception on the X-Rite Blog.

Quick Summary

The X-Rite Color Checker is a free online tool based on the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test that evaluates your color vision acuity and ability to distinguish subtle color differences. It is designed for professionals in color-critical industries and curious individuals, though it serves as an educational baseline rather than a replacement for full clinical assessment.

FAQs

What is the X-Rite Color Checker and Hue Test?

The X-Rite free online color checker is a digital tool based on the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test that measures a person's ability to distinguish subtle differences in color hue. While it provides a quick and fun way to understand your color vision acuity, it is not a replacement for the full clinical test.

How does the online Hue Test work?

The online Hue Test works by presenting four rows of colored tiles where users must drag and drop the chips to arrange them in the correct hue order. The first and last chip in each row are fixed to serve as anchors. Once arranged, clicking "Score My Test" generates a Color IQ result and a polar graph showing where hue discrimination is weakest.

What is a good score on the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test?

A lower score on the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test indicates better color vision, with a perfect score being zero. The population score distribution is approximately 16% scoring 0–16 (superior color discrimination), 68% scoring 16–100 (average/normal color discrimination), and 16% scoring over 100 (low color discrimination requiring retesting). The resulting circle graph displays the specific regions of the visible color spectrum where hue discrimination is weakest.

What do my Hue Test results tell me?

Your Hue Test results indicate exactly where your color discrimination deficiencies lie and where errors were made across the color spectrum. Scores are calculated based on how frequently color caps are misplaced and the severity of each misplacement. Color discrimination is independent of color defectiveness, meaning some people with average scores may have poorer discrimination than those with identified color vision defects.

Why might my score be different each time I take the test?

Your score may vary between tests because color perception is influenced by immediate environmental and physical variables, including ambient lighting, desk background colors, eye fatigue, and age. For the most consistent results, take the color vision hue test in a neutral-lit environment, away from strong background colors, and when your eyes are well-rested.

How common is color blindness?

Color vision deficiency is highly common, affecting approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 255 women worldwide. The most common form of color vision deficiency is red-green color blindness, which impacts 7–10% of the global male population.

Can this test detect color blindness?

This free online color blindness test can help uncover color vision anomalies by evaluating how well a user discerns between specific colors and slight hue variations. However, because monitor displays vary in color accuracy, the free online color checker by X-Rite is not definitive and cannot replace the full Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test for medical or professional diagnosis.

Is the online Hue Test as accurate as the physical FM 100 Hue Test?

The online color checker is not as accurate as the physical test due to the hardware limitations and display inconsistencies of computer monitor technologies. The official physical test is the standard for professional use, as it evaluates color acuity across the complete visible color spectrum under strictly controlled lighting conditions.

Who should take the Hue Test?

The Hue Test should be taken by anyone involved in color-critical work, including professionals designing, inspecting, or formulating color in any industry. Accurate color vision is a fundamental requirement for roles in printing, packaging, textiles, coatings, plastics, manufacturing, and graphic design.

What is the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test and how is it different from the online version?

The Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test is a professional-grade physical assessment that evaluates color acuity across the full color spectrum using physical color caps under controlled lighting. The online X-Rite color checker is a simplified, screen-based simulation useful for quick self-assessment, but lacks the controlled physical environment required for clinical or professional validation.

Is there a quick screening option for color blindness?

Yes, the Farnsworth Munsell Dichotomous D-15 color blindness test is a validated abridged version designed to quickly screen for red-green or blue-yellow color vision deficiencies. It is available through Munsell and X-Rite as part of a comprehensive suite of professional color vision assessment tools.

How do I test my color vision online for free?

You can test your color vision online for free using X-Rite's color checker and hue test, which is widely used for quick digital color assessment. To take the test, simply arrange the provided digital color tiles in hue order across four rows and click "Score My Test" to instantly receive your Color IQ result.

What factors influence color perception beyond color vision?

Color perception is heavily influenced by external and physiological factors, including the quality of ambient lighting, surrounding background colors, visual fatigue, and individual biological differences. X-Rite's comprehensive guide covers the many factors that influence color perception in depth.

What industries require accurate color vision?

Accurate color vision is strictly required in industries focused on color development, inspection, or formulation, such as printing, packaging, textiles, coatings, and plastics. In these sectors, a professional color blindness test is historically used as a standard evaluation for employees applying for critical color control positions.