Delta E (ΔE) is a measurement of color accuracy that indicates how much the displayed color deviates from the true or intended color. A lower Delta E value means better color accuracy, which is crucial for graphic designers, photographers, video editors, and professional content creators.
How is Delta E Measured?
- Delta E measures the difference between two colors in a way that aligns with human vision perception.
- It is based on the CIE76, CIE94, and CIE2000 color difference formulas.
- The lower the ΔE value, the better the color accuracy.
Delta E (ΔE) Value Scale & Meaning
| ΔE Value | Color Accuracy Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| ΔE > 3 | Noticeable Color Inaccuracy | Colors appear visibly different. |
| ΔE 2 – 3 | Good Accuracy | Minor differences, acceptable for casual use. |
| ΔE < 2 | Very Accurate | Barely perceptible difference to the human eye. |
| ΔE < 1 | Near Perfect Color | No visible difference in color perception. |
| ΔE 0 | Absolute Perfection | Identical colors (not possible on real displays). |
Why is Delta E Important for Displays?
- Professional-grade monitors (used for video editing, photography, and design) often advertise ΔE < 2 or ΔE < 1 for high color accuracy.
- Casual monitors or gaming monitors might have ΔE 2-3, which is fine for general use.
- Poor Delta E (>3) can cause washed-out colors, inaccurate skin tones, and mismatched prints in creative work.
Delta E in Gaming vs. Creative Work
- For Gamers: Delta E isn’t as important since gameplay relies more on refresh rates and response times. However, better accuracy can improve HDR and color-rich scenes.
- For Content Creators: A low Delta E is essential for tasks like photo editing, video color grading, and print design.
How to Improve Delta E on a Monitor
- Factory Calibration – High-end monitors (like ASUS ProArt, BenQ, and Apple XDR) come pre-calibrated with ΔE < 2.
- Hardware Calibration – Use a colorimeter (like X-Rite i1 Display or SpyderX Pro) for precise calibration.
- Built-in Monitor Settings – Adjust sRGB, AdobeRGB, or DCI-P3 settings in professional monitors.
Is Delta E Important for You?
✔ If you edit photos, videos, or do professional design work, aim for ΔE < 2.
✔ If you’re a casual user or gamer, ΔE 2-3 is usually good enough.
✔ If color accuracy is critical, look for ΔE < 1 and consider hardware calibration tools.