Colorimetry Reference Guide

Supplemental Manual for EasyMatch®QC

Hunter Associates Laboratory

11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190 USA
www.hunterlab.com

A60-1017-674
Manual Version 1.0
 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Copyrights and Trademarks

This documentation contains proprietary information of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc. Its
reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written consent of Hunter Associates Laboratory,
Inc. is prohibited.

EasyMatch QC and LabScan are registered trademarks for Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

LOVIBOND is a registered trademark of Tintometer Ltd. UK

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Contents
MEASUREMENT VALUES .............................................................................................. 5

COLOR SCALES AND RELATED COLOR DIFFERENCE SCALES ........................................... 7

CIE Tristimulus XYZ Scale ......................................................................................................................... 7
CIE Chromaticity Coordinates, Yxy .......................................................................................................... 7
Opponent-Color Scales (Hunter Lab, CIE 1976 L*a*b, and CIE L*C*h) ................................................... 7
Hunter RdabColor Scale......................................................................................................................... 11
RxRyRz Reflection Factors ..................................................................................................................... 11
OTHER COLOR DIFFERENCE SCALES .............................................................................13
Elliptical Tolerancing Scales (CMC, CIE94, DIN99, and CIELAB2000)..................................................... 13
FMC-2 (Friele - MacAdam - Chickering) Color Difference ..................................................................... 18
ISO Grey Scale ........................................................................................................................................ 18
ISO Grey Stain ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Metamerism Index ................................................................................................................................ 21
Strength ................................................................................................................................................. 21
INDICES AND RELATED DIFFERENCE SCALES ................................................................23
a/b Ratio ................................................................................................................................................ 23
a*/b* Ratio ............................................................................................................................................ 23
ADMI-10 mm and ADMI-50 mm ............................................................................................................ 23
APHA-10, -20, and -50 mm .................................................................................................................... 24
AOCS RY ................................................................................................................................................. 24
ASBC-10 mm .......................................................................................................................................... 25
ASTM D1500-33 mm.............................................................................................................................. 26
b/a Ratio ................................................................................................................................................ 27
b*/a* Ratio ............................................................................................................................................ 27
Brightness 457 ....................................................................................................................................... 27
Color Value ............................................................................................................................................ 28
Color Value SUM ................................................................................................................................ 28
Color Value SWL ................................................................................................................................. 29
Color Value WSUM ............................................................................................................................. 29
Dominant WaveLength and Excitation Purity ....................................................................................... 29
EBC-10 mm ............................................................................................................................................ 30
EP-10 mm............................................................................................................................................... 31
FAC-10mm ............................................................................................................................................. 32
Gardner-20 mm and D6166 ................................................................................................................... 32
Iodine-10 mm ........................................................................................................................................ 34
LOVIBOND RY ......................................................................................................................................... 34
Saybolt-50/100 mm ............................................................................................................................... 35
Tint Indices............................................................................................................................................. 36
USP 10-mm ............................................................................................................................................ 38
Whiteness Indices .................................................................................................................................. 38
Y Brightness ........................................................................................................................................... 41
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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Yellowness Indices ................................................................................................................................. 41

Paper Brightness (Z%) ............................................................................................................................ 42
READ METHODS .........................................................................................................43
Haze ....................................................................................................................................................... 43
NTU-10 mm (Opalescence/Turbidity of Liquids .................................................................................... 45
Opacity ................................................................................................................................................... 45
SPECTRAL DATA TYPES................................................................................................47
% Strength ............................................................................................................................................. 47
Absorbance ............................................................................................................................................ 47
K/S .......................................................................................................................................................... 47
Reflectance ............................................................................................................................................ 48
Transmittance ........................................................................................................................................ 48
INDEX .........................................................................................................................49

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Measurement Values

Color values calculated using EasyMatch QC are relative to the absolute value of a perfect reflecting
diffuser as measured under the same geometric conditions, per the January 1, 1969 recommendation
of the International Commission on Illumination, CIE. These values are traceable to measurements
made at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The data types available for display within EasyMatch QC’s Spectral Data Table view are described in
the “Spectral Data Types” section at the end of this appendix. The remaining sections describe the
color scales, color difference scales, indices, and read methods available for display in your Color Data
Table view.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Color Scales and Related Color Difference Scales

CIE Tristimulus XYZ Scale

EasyMatch QC performs integration of reflectance/transmittance values over the visible spectrum to
arrive at tristimulus X, Y, and Z values. These values simulate the color matching response functions of
the human observer as defined by the 1931 2° Standard Observer or the 1964 CIE 10° Standard
Observer (as selected). Tristimulus integrations based on the illuminants may be selected. For a
complete description of how to calculate tristimulus values, refer to the publication CIE 15.2 and to
ASTM Method E308.

The related color difference values are defined as follows:

dX = XSMP - XSTD dY = YSMP - YSTD dZ = ZSMP - ZSTD.

CIE Chromaticity Coordinates, Yxy

The relationship between CIE XYZ values and the x,y chromaticity coordinates is as follows:

X Y
Y = CIE Tristimulus Y (as above) x= y=
X Y +Z X +Y + Z

The related color difference values are defined as follows:

dY = YSMP - YSTD dx = xSMP - xSTD dy = ySMP - ySTD.

Opponent-Color Scales (Hunter Lab, CIE 1976 L*a*b, and CIE L*C*h)
The opponent-color scales give measurements of color in units of approximate visual uniformity
throughout the color solid. Thus, in the Hunter Lab scale, L measures lightness and varies from 100 for
perfect white to zero for black, approximately as the eye would evaluate it. The chromaticity
dimensions (a and b) give understandable designations of color as follows: *

a measures redness when positive, gray when zero, and greenness when negative.
b measures yellowness when positive, gray when zero, and blueness when negative.

The relationship between the Hunter Lab Scale and the CIE XYZ Scale for the CIE 1931 2° Standard
Observer and the CIE 1964 10° Standard Observer is as follows:

Y
L  100
Yn

X -Y
Xn Yn
a  Ka
Y
Yn

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Y -Z
Yn Zn
b  Kb
Y
Yn

Where, X, Y, and Z are the CIE tristimulus values obtained for the sample.

Xn, Yn, and Zn are tristimulus values of the standard illuminant as listed in ASTM E308 with Y n
always equal to 100.00 (normalized).

Ka and Kb are the expansion factors computed by the illuminant and observer used:
Illuminant A represents incandescent (tungsten) lamplight with an approximate color
temperature of 2854 K. Illuminant C represents average, or north sky, daylight with a
correlated color temperature of approximately 6770 K. Illuminants D65, D50, D55, and D75
represent daylight with correlated color temperatures of approximately 6500 K, 5000 K, 5500 K,
and 7500 K, respectively. Illuminants F02 (cool white fluorescent), F07, and F11 are fluorescent
illuminants. TL84 and Ultra3000 are custom illuminants.

The Hunter Lab total color difference (dE) and chromaticity difference (dC) for any illuminant and
observer are calculated as follows:

dE = dL2  da 2  db2

dC = da 2 + db2

Where, dL = LSMP - LSTD(if + dL, sample is lighter than standard;

if - dL, sample is darker than standard.)

da = aSMP - aSTD (if + da, sample is redder than standard;

if - da, sample is greener than standard.)

db = bSMP - bSTD (if + db, sample is yellower than standard;

if - db, sample is bluer than standard.)

The dE derived from these opponent-color scales approximates the NBS Unit of Color Difference (Judd-
Hunter), which represents the average maximum difference acceptable in a series of dye-house
commercial matches in 1939.

The CIE 1976 L*a*b* Scale is recommended by the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE). It is
a simplified cube root version of the Adams-Nickerson space produced by plotting the quantities of
L*a*b* in rectangular coordinates.

The relationship between the CIE L*a*b* scale and the CIE XYZ scale for any illuminant referenced in
ASTM E308 is as follows:

 Y
L * = 116 f   - 16
 Yn 
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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

  X  Y 
a * = 500  f   - f 
  Xn   Yn  

  Y  Z 
b * = 200  f   - f   
  Yn   Zn  

Where, f  X   3 X if X/Xn > (24/116)3

 Xn  Xn

 X
f  
 841
 =
108
 XX  + 116
16
if X/Xn ≤ (24/116)3
 Xn   n 

f  Y   3 Y if Y/Yn > (24/116)3

 Yn  Yn

 Y
f  
 841
 =
108
 YY  + 116
16
if Y/Yn ≤ (24/116)3
 Yn   n 

f  Z   3 Z if Z/Zn > (24/116)3

 Zn  Zn

 Z
f  
 841
 =
108
 ZZ  + 116
16
if Z/Zn ≤ (24/116)3
 Zn   n 

and Xn, Yn, and Zn are tristimulus values for any illuminant.

Total Difference (dE*), CIE 1976 a,b Chroma-Difference (dC*), and CIE 1976 a,b Hue Difference (dH*)
are defined as follows:

dE * = dL *2  da *2 + db *2

dC* = C*smp - C*std where C *  a *2  b *2 and is termed metric chroma

dH * = dE *2  dL *2  dC *2

Where, dL* = L*SMP - L*STD

da* = a*SMP - a*STD

db* - b*SMP - b*STD

For more information, see AATCC Test Method 173: Calculation of Small Color Differences.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

CIE LCh is a modification to the CIELAB scale which plots in polar coordinates rather than rectangular
ones.

dC* is the difference between the chroma of the sample and the chroma of the standard, as described
in a polar coordinate system.

dh* describes the difference between the hue angle (h°) of the standard and the hue angle of the
sample in a polar coordinate system, where:

If h°smp > h°std then dh* is regarded as positive.

If h°std > h°smp then dh* is regarded as negative.

See “Recommendation on Uniform Color Spaces, Color Difference Equations, Psychometric Color
Terms,” Supplement No. 2 to CIE Publication No. 15 (E-1.3.1) CIE, Paris, 1978.

Y
L* = CIE 1976 psychometric lightness = 116 3 - 16
Yn

 X Y 
a* = Red(+) - Green(-) axis = 500  3 -3
 Xn Yn 

 Y Z 
b* = Yellow(+) - Blue(-) axis = 200  3 -3
 Yn Zn 

C*ab = CIE 1976 a,b chroma= a *2  b *2

h° = CIE 1976 a,b hue-angle = arctan (b*/a*)

dh* = h°Std - h°Sam

dH*ab = CIE 1976 a,b hue-difference = dE *2  dL *2  dC *2

Note: Since hue angle changes dramatically for small differences in neutral and near-neutral
colors, use of dH*ab hue difference is not recommended when C* < 5. In this case, use dL*, da*,
and db* instead to define color differences.

dC* = Chromaticity difference in the a*b* plane = C*smp - C*std

dE*ab = CIE 1976 L*a*b* color difference formula = dL *2  da *2 + db *2

d = Difference between Sample and Standard.

Reference: Commission International de l’Eclairage (CIE): “Recommendations on Uniform Color

Spaces, Color Difference Equations, Psychometric Color Terms,” Supplement No. 2 to CIE Publication
No. 15, Colorimetry, Bureau Central de la CIE, Paris, 1978. For more information, see AATCC Test
Method 173: Calculation of Small Color Differences.
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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Hunter RdabColor Scale

The relationship between the Hunter Rd,a,b values and the CIE XYZ values for any illuminant is as
follows:

L(Rd) = Y

 X Y
a(Rd)  K a f Y   - 
 n
X Yn 

Y Z 
b(Rd)  K b f Y   - 
 Yn Zn 

21 + 0.2Y
Where, f Y = 0.51 .
1 + 0.2Y

X, Y, and Z are the CIE tristimulus values obtained for the sample.

Xn, Yn, and Zn are the tristimulus values of the standard illuminant with Yn always equal to
100.00 (normalized).

Ka and Kb are the expansion factors computed by the illuminant and observer used.

And dR Rdab = L(Rd)SMP - L(Rd)STD

da Rdab = a(Rd)SMP - a(Rd)STD

db Rdab - b(Rd)SMP - b(Rd)STD

dE Rdab = dR Rdab2  da Rdab2 + db Rdab2

dC Rdab = da(Rd)2 + db(Rd)2

RxRyRz Reflection Factors

The Reflection Density Color Scale, Rx, Ry, Rz, is a variation of the CIE XYZ scale, where Rx is corrected
to represent only the amber peak of the tristimulus X bi-modal response. This scale was originally
developed for measurement of pulp and paper using tristimulus colorimeters. The formulas for
calculating Rx, Ry, and Rz are shown below.

Rx = (100*X/Xwp)

Ry = Y = 100 * Y/Ywp

Rz = 100*Z/Zwp

Where, Xwp Ywp Zwp= white point of perfect reflector

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Xwp Ywp Zwp = white point of a reflector whose reflectance is zero below 500nm and 100% at
500nm and above.

X, Y, Z = tristimulus values of the specimen

X, Y, Z = modified tristimulus values of the specimen obtained by truncating to zero the
reflectance below 500nm.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Other Color Difference Scales

Elliptical Tolerancing Scales (CMC, CIE94, DIN99, and CIELAB2000)

The equation for dE CMC describes an ellipsoidal volume with axes in the direction of lightness (l),
chroma (c), and hue (h) centered about a standard. When the semi-axis lengths for the dE CMC
formula equal the calculated lSL, cSC, and SH values for the standard, the resulting ellipsoid describes a
1.0 dE CMC unit volume/tolerance. This volume and the size of its component parts become the basis
for the establishment of an appropriately sized volume of acceptability for a given commercial
situation by the application of a commercial factor (cf). The cf is the dE CMC tolerance.

When l = 2.0 and c = 1.0, the equation fixes the ratio of the three components (SL:SC:SH) to correlate
with visible assessment of typical textile samples. Other values of l may be required in cases where the
surface characteristics change dramatically. The value of c is always left at 1.0.

2 2 2
 dL *   dC *   dH * 
dE CMC    +  +  Absolute
 lSL   cSC   SH 

dL *
dL CMC =
lSL

dC *
dC CMC =
cSC

dH *
dH CMC =
SH

Where, L*, C*, and H* are those of the standard unless otherwise specified.

CMC ratio l:c. This ratio is generally 1:1 for coatings, 1.3:1 for plastics, and 2:1 for textiles. The l value
may be set anywhere between 0 and 5. The l:c ratio determines the shape of the ellipsoid.

Commercial factor cf. This value is usually one to represent a just-perceptible difference, but this
value may be adjusted for the industry and the product. This value may be set anywhere between 0.10
and 9.99. The commercial factor determines the size of the ellipsoid.

0.040975L *
SL = for L* ≥ 16
1 + 0.01765L *
SL = 0.511 for L* < 16
0.0638C *
SC = + 0.638
1 + 0.0131C *
SH = (FT + 1 - F) SC

C *  a *2  b *2

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

 b *
h = arctan  
 a *
dL* = L*SMP - L*STD
dC* = C*SMP - C*STD

dH * = dE *2  dL *2  dC *2

C *4
F
C *4  1900
T = 0.36 + |0.4 cos (35 + h)| if h = 164° or h > 345°
T = 0.56 + |0.2 cos (168 + h)| if 164° < h < 345°
Tolerances are: dL* = (cf) lSL dL* CMC = cf
dC* = (cf) cSC dC* CMC = cf
dH* = (cf) SH dH* CMC = cf
dE* CMC = cf

For a more detailed description of CMC, refer to Calculation of Small Color Differences for
Acceptability, AATCC Test Method 173-1992 published in the AATCC Technical Manual.

CIE TC 1-29

CIE TC 1-29, also called the CIE 1994 (dL CIE94 dC CIE94 dH CIE94) color difference scale, is a test scale
that may eventually be approved as an official CIE scale.

dE CIE94 is the total color difference.

1
 dL CIE94  2  dC CIE94  2  dH CIE94  2 
2

dE CIE94  K v *   +   +   
 K L S L   K C S C   K H S H  

Where, dL CIE94, dC CIE94, and dH CIE94 are as described earlier in this section (as dL*, dC*, and dH*)
SL = 1
SC = 1 + 0.045 C*
SH = 1 + 0.015 C*.
KL:KC:KH ratio. This ratio is generally 1:1:1 for coatings, 1.3:1:1 for plastics, and 2:1:1 for textiles.

DIN99

The German standards institute (DIN) developed the DIN99 standard as a new color difference formula
that globally models color space using logarithms of the CIE L*a*b* coordinates rather than the linear
and hyperbolic functions of CMC and CIE94. This new formula is easy to use and has equivalent
performance to CMC or CIE94. It also eliminates the reference-color based distortion of CIELAB. It is
calculated as follows:

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Redness e = cos(16°)a* + sin(16°)b*

Yellowness f = -0.7[-sin(16°)a* + cos(16°)b*]

Chroma G = (e2 + f2)0.5

Hue angle hef = arctan(f/e)

log e 1  0.045G 
Chroma C DIN99 =
0.045k CH k E

180
Hue angle h DIN99 = h ef


Redness a DIN99 = C DIN99 cos hef

Yellowness b DIN99 = C DIN99 sin hef

Lightness L DIN99 = 105.509 [loge (1 + 0.0158 L*)] kE

dE DIN99  dL DIN99 2  da DIN99 2  db DIN99 2

dC DIN99 = C DIN99sample - C DIN99standard

dH DIN99 =
a DIN99 standard * b DIN99 sample - a DIN99 sample * b DIN99 standard 
0.5 * C DIN99 sample * C DIN99 standard  a DIN99 sample * a DIN99 standard  b DIN99 sample * b DIN99 standard 

Where: kE = kCH = 1 by default.

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CIELAB2000

The CIELAB2000 Color Difference Equation is a ellipsoidal color difference scale similar to CMC, and is
described below.

dE* 2000 is the total color difference.

1
 dL*' 2000  2  dC*' 2000  2  dH*' 2000  2  dC*' 2000  dH*'2000 
2

dE * 2000    +   +    R T   

 K L S L   K C S C   K H S H   K C S c  K L S H 

Where, KL:KC:KH ratio. This ratio is generally 1:1:1 for coatings, 1.3:1:1 for plastics, and 2:1:1 for
textiles.

The calculation of dL*’ 2000, dC*’ 2000, dH*’ 2000, SL, SC, SH and RT are described below.

1) Calculate 𝑑𝐿∗′ 2000, 𝑑𝐶 ∗′ 2000, 𝑑𝐻 ∗′ 2000

∗
𝐶𝑖,𝑎𝑏 = √(𝑎𝑖∗ )2 + (𝑏𝑖∗ )2 𝑖 = 1(𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑), 2(𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒)
∗ ∗
∗ 𝐶1,𝑎𝑏 +𝐶2,𝑎𝑏
𝐶𝑎𝑏 = 2

∗ 7
𝐶𝑎𝑏
𝐺 = 0.5 (1 − √ ∗ +257 7 )
𝐶𝑎𝑏

𝑎𝑖∗′ = (1 + 𝐺) ∗ 𝑎𝑖∗

𝐶𝑖∗′ = √(𝑎𝑖∗′ )2 + (𝑏𝑖∗ )2

0 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑖∗ = 𝑎𝑖∗′ = 0

ℎ𝑖∗′ ={
tan−1(𝑏𝑖∗ , 𝑎𝑖∗′ ) 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒

𝑑𝐿∗′ 2000 = 𝐿∗2 − 𝐿∗1

𝑑𝐶 ∗′ 2000 = 𝐶2∗′ − 𝐶1∗′

0 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐶1∗′ 𝐶2∗′ = 0

′ ′ ′ ′
ℎ2∗′ − ℎ1∗ 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐶1∗ 𝐶2∗ ≠ 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 |ℎ2∗′ − ℎ1∗ | ≤ 180°
∗′
𝑑ℎ = ′ ′ ′ ′
ℎ2∗′ − ℎ1∗ − 360 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐶1∗ 𝐶2∗ ≠ 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 |ℎ2∗′ − ℎ1∗ | > 180°
′ ′ ′ ′ ′
{ℎ2∗′ − ℎ1∗ + 360 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐶1∗ 𝐶2∗ ≠ 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 |ℎ2∗ − ℎ1∗ | < −180°

′ ′ 𝑑ℎ∗′
𝑑𝐻 2000 = 2√𝐶1∗ 𝐶2∗ sin (
∗′
)
2

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2) Calculate SL, SC, SH and RT

𝐿∗2 + 𝐿∗1
𝐿̅′ =
2
𝐶2∗′ + 𝐶1∗′
̅̅̅
𝐶′ =
2
ℎ2∗′ + ℎ1∗′ ′ ′ ′
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐶1∗ 𝐶2∗ ≠ 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 |ℎ2∗′ − ℎ1∗ | ≤ 180°
2
ℎ2∗′ + ℎ1∗′ + 360 ′ ′ ′ ′
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐶1∗ 𝐶2∗ ≠ 0 , |ℎ2∗′ − ℎ1∗ | > 180° 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ2∗′ + ℎ1∗ < 360°
ℎ̅′ = 2
ℎ2∗′ + ℎ1∗′ − 360 ′ ′ ′ ′ ′
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐶1∗ 𝐶2∗ ≠ 0, |ℎ2∗ − ℎ1∗ | > 180° 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ2∗′ + ℎ1∗ ≥ 360°
2
{ ℎ2∗′ + ℎ1∗′ 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐶1∗′ 𝐶2∗′ = 0

𝑇 = 1 − 0.17 cos(ℎ̅′ − 30°) + 0.24 cos(2ℎ̅′ ) + 0.32 cos(3ℎ̅′ + 6°) −0.2 cos(4ℎ̅′ − 63°)

0.015(𝐿̅′ − 50)2
𝑆𝐿 = 1 +
√20 + (𝐿̅′ − 50)2

̅̅̅′
𝑆𝐶 = 1 + 0.045𝐶

̅̅̅′ 𝑇
𝑆𝐻 = 1 + 0.015𝐶

7
̅̅̅
𝐶′
𝑅𝐶 = 2√ 7
̅̅̅
𝐶 ′ + 257

ℎ̅′ − 275°
∆Ɵ = 30 𝑒𝑥𝑝 [− ( )]
25

𝑅𝑇 = − sin(2∆Ɵ)𝑅𝐶

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

FMC-2 (Friele - MacAdam - Chickering) Color Difference

Red-green (dRedGrn FMCII) differences, yellow-blue (dYelBlu FMCII) differences, total lightness
differences (dL FMCII), and total color differences (dE FMCII) between standard and sample are
computed according to the Friele-MacAdam-Chickering metric (JOSA, February 1968, p. 292 and
August 1969, p. 986).

The FMC-2 unit of color difference is based on just noticeable, or threshold, color difference data
published in 1942. Friele used the data in his suggested color-difference formula, which was modified
later by MacAdam, and then by Chickering. The FMC-2 Scale is a color difference scale only and was
designed for Illuminant C and 2° standard observer conditions only. It has been successfully used for
non-saturated colors under illuminants D65 and A as well as 10° standard observer conditions.

ISO Grey Scale

ISO Grey Scale indicates the amount of fading or color alteration that occurs with environmental
exposure or washing of textiles. The loss of color using the ISO Grey Scale is evaluated by comparison
to five pairs of gray standards similar to those shown below. One half of each standard is always of
identical chroma to the starting specimen. The second half ranges from the starting chroma (no loss of
color) to white (loss of all color). The amount of contrast between the treated and untreated fabric is
related to one of the standard pairs to yield the gray scale rating. On this scale, 5 indicates that next to
no color was lost, and 1 indicates that most color was lost.

The bottom half of each pair

shows the starting color. The
top half shows the color of
the treated fabric. (Illustration
from AATCC Evaluation
Procedure 1.)

ISO Grey Scale, as implemented in EasyMatch QC, is based on ISO 105-A02:1993, Textiles — Tests for
colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour. It is intended as an alternative
to visual assessment as described in AATCC Evaluation Procedure 1, “Gray Scale for Color Change.” It
may be used in assessing any samples except those which have been treated with fluorescent
whitening agents.

The ISO Grey Scale result is based on the calculations below. Some terms were further explained
earlier in this chapter under “Opponent-Color Scales.”

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

dEf = dL *2  dCf *2 + dHf *2

dHk
Where, dHf = 2
1 + 10C M 
 1000 

dCk
dCf = 2
1 +  20C M 
 1000 

dHk = dH*ab - d

dCk = dC*ab - d

dC *ab C M e  x
d=
100

 h  280 
2

x =  M  if |hM - 280|  180

 30

2
 360 - h M - 280 
x =   if |hM - 280| > 180
 30 

C abT  C *abO
CM =
2

h abT  h abO
hM = if |habT - habO|  180
2

h abT  h abO
hM = + 180 if |habT - habO| > 180 and |habT + habO| < 360
2

h abT  h abO
hM = - 180 if |habT - habO| > 180 and |habT + habO|  360
2

L*T, C*abT, habT = lightness, chroma, and hue of Test specimen

L*O, C*abO, habO = lightness, chroma, and hue of Original

dL* = L*T - L*O

dC*ab = C*abT - C*abO

sign of dH*ab = sign of (habT - habO)

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

dH *ab = dE *ab  dL *2  dC *ab

2 2

dE *ab = dL *2  da *2 + db *2

dEf is used to calculate ISO Grey Scale using the equations below:

dEf
ISO Grey Scale  5 - if dEf  3.4
1.7

ISO Grey Scale = 5 -


log dEf
0.85
 if dEf > 3.4
log 2 

ISO Grey Stain

The transference of color from the test specimen to an adjacent specimen is evaluated in a manner
very similar to that of ISO Grey Scale. Again, five standard pairs are used. One half of each standard is
white, and the second half range ranges from white (no staining) to a gray with the chroma value of
the test specimen (great deal of staining). A value of 5 corresponds to virtually no staining, whereas 1
indicates poor color fastness.

The bottom half of each pair

shows the starting color of the
adjacent fabric. The top half
shows the color of the treated
adjacent fabric. (Illustration
from AATCC Evaluation
Procedure 2).

ISO Grey Stain, as implemented in EasyMatch QC, is based on ISO 105-A04:1989, Textiles — Tests for
colour fastness — Part A04: Method for the instrumental assessment of the degree of staining of
adjacent fabrics. It is intended as an alternative to visual assessment as described in AATCC Evaluation
Procedure 2, “Gray Scale for Staining.”

The ISO Grey Stain result is based on the calculations below.

dEGS  dE * - 0.4 dE *2 - dL *2

Use dEGS to calculate the SSR as follows:

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

ISO Grey Stain = 6.1 - 1.45 ln (dEGS) for Ratings 1 to 4.

If SSR calculated by the above equation is greater than 4, recalculate using the following equation:

ISO Grey Stain = 5 - 0.23dEGS for Ratings 4 to 5.

Metamerism Index
The Metamerism Index is designed to indicate the degree to which two samples which match under
one illuminant no longer match under a second illuminant. The Metamerism Index feature allows the
comparison of Hunter Lab values relative to operator-selectable illuminants. These values must be
calculated from spectral reflectance values. The formula for deriving the index is:

Metamerism Index  dLn1 - dLn2 2  dan1 - dan2 2  dbn1 - dbn2 2

where n1 is the 1st illuminant and n2 is the 2nd illuminant, and d = Value sample - Valuestandard.

Strength
% Strength SUM

% Strength SUM, also known as Relative Average Strength, is calculated as follows:

Color Value SUM SAM

% Strength SUM = x 100.0
Color Value SUM ST D

Color Value SUM is defined in the “Indices” section of this appendix. % Strength WSUM is preferred
over % Strength SUM for measurements made in reflectance.

% Strength SWL

% Strength SWL (single wavelength) is the % Strength measured at the wavelength of maximum
absorbance. This is the same % Strength described in the “Spectral Data Types” section of this
appendix, but at the appropriate single wavelength.

% Strength WSUM

% Strength WSUM, also known as Relative Weighted Strength, is calculated as follows:

Color Value WSUM SAM

% Strength W SUM = x 100.0
Color Value WSUM ST D

Color Value WSUM is defined in the “Indices” section of this appendix. % Strength SUM is preferred
over % Strength WSUM for measurements made in transmission.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Indices and Related Difference Scales

a/b Ratio
a/b Ratio is simply the a of Hunter L, a, b divided by the b of Hunter L, a, b.

a/b Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

da/b = (a/b)sample - (a/b)standard.

a*/b* Ratio
a*/b* Ratio is simply the a* of CIE L*a*b* divided by the b* of CIE L*a*b*.

a*/b* Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

da*/b* = (a*/b*)sample - (a*/b*)standard.

ADMI-10 mm and ADMI-50 mm

The American Dye Manufacturer’s Institute (ADMI) scale was developed for the measurement of
wastewater containing dyestuffs and textile effluents. This scale may be used on clear liquids of any
color.

ADMI units are based on the total dE* C/2° of APHA solutions from distilled water. Distilled water has
a value of zero in ADMI units, as it does in APHA units. An ADMI value of 500 is assigned to a solution
having a total color difference from distilled water equal to the total color difference from distilled
water of the APHA stock solution, which has an APHA value of 500.

The HunterLab application of this scale is designed for use with bluish liquids. Be certain to use the size
of transmission cell corresponding to the scale you are calculating. The sensor should be standardized
in TTRAN mode using a clear liquid in that cell as a blank.

When an APHA/PtCo standard solution that conforms to ASTM D1209 is prepared and read on your
instrument, it should read within the repeatability specifications of ASTM D1209. An APHA 400
solution should read as ADMI 400. ADMI values are reported in C/2° regardless of the illuminant and
observer selected.

APHA is described below.

ADMI Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dADMI-10 mm = (ADMI-10 mm)sample - (ADMI-10 mm)standard,

and dADMI-50 mm = (dADMI-50 mm)sample - (dADMI-50 mm)standard.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

APHA-10, -20, and -50 mm

The American Public Health Association (APHA) Index was developed in the 1890s as a visual indicator
of the purity of wastewater, where color is due to the presence of naturally-occurring organic materials
such as leaves, bark, roots, humus, and peat. Today, APHA is used as a metric for purity in the
chemical, oil, plastics, and pharmaceutical industries. This scale serves to quantify the appearance of
yellowness, a visual indicator of product degradation due to light and/or heat, the presence of
impurities, and the effects of processing.

APHA-10, -20, and -50 mm are designed to yield APHA/PtCo values that closely correlate to APHA/PtCo
standard solution values as defined by ASTM D1209. They are calculated from the YI E313 yellowness
index (ASTM D5386) and are optimized for each instrument. This index is calculated only for the C/2°
illuminant/observer combination.

A transmission cell with 10-, 20-, or 50-mm path length is required for this metric.

APHA Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dAPHA-10 mm = (APHA-10 mm)sample - (APHA-10 mm)standard,

dAPHA-20 mm = (dAPHA-20 mm)sample - (dAPHA-20 mm)standard.

And dAPHA-50 mm = (dAPHA-50 mm)sample - (dAPHA-50 mm)standard.

AOCS RY
In 1962, the Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society announced this scale, “AOCS-Tintometer
Scale” (or “Wesson Method,” AOCS Method Cc 13b-45), using 43 glass standards [Red (R), Yellow (Y)].
Fundamentally, it is a modification of the LOVIBOND® RYBN method—and focuses on the red and
yellow colors—with no blue or neutral colors. It is noted that the red measurements of the AOCS RY do
not match the red measurements of LOVIBOND® RYBN.

AOCS glass color standards:

Red Glasses: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 ,5, 6, 7
7.6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 20
Yellow Glasses: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 40, 50, 70

At HunterLab, tristimulus color measurement (CIE, C/2, Y, x, y) is used to correlate to the visual AOCS
RY color standards. In EasyMatch QC, both of cell path length and report path length are reported
together with AOCS RY. You can measure oil samples in cuvette/flat cell/vials then report the AOCS RY
values in 1 in or 5.25 in. In EasyMatch QC, go to Options > Adjust Scale Factors, select AOCS RY and
then configure the cell path length and report path length.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Figure 1. Selection of AOCS

Figure 2. Pathlength

All available cell path lengths are: 10 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 33 mm, 50 mm. All available report path
lengths are: 25.4 mm (1 in) and 133.35mm (5.25 in).

ASBC-10 mm
The American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC) scale is used in the measurement of the color of
beer, malt worts, caramel solutions, and similarly-colored liquids. This transmission scale, which
should be measured using a cell path length of 10 mm, is based on the EBC scale, which is described
later in this chapter. Its range is approximately 1 to 11 units, with the more yellow, pale worts at the
low end of the scale and the redder color of dark worts, beers, and caramels at the upper end of the
scale. Applicable equations are given below.

 100 
ASBC  10 *1.27 * log 10  
 430 nm 
T

Where, T430 nm = % transmittance at 430 nm

and

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

 100   100 
Turbidity = free (“0.0”) if 1.27 * log 10    0.039 *1.27 * log 10   , else turbid (“1.0”).
 T700 nm   T430 nm 

Where, T700 nm = % transmittance at 700 nm.

ASBC Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dASBC-10 mm = (ASBC-10 mm)sample - (ASBC-10 mm)standard.

ASTM D1500-33 mm
The ASTM D1500 scale is calculated as described below.

D1500 = 0.25 + 0.8695 (DX + DY + DZ)

 X 
Where, DX  - log  
 98.078 

 Y 
DY  - log  
 100.00 

 Z 
if Z > 0.01, DZ  - log  
 118.24 

 0.01 
if Z  0.01, DZ  - log  
 118.24 

X is the X tristimulus value for the sample calculated for C/2° conditions

Y is the Y tristimulus value for the sample calculated for C/2° conditions

Z is the Z tristimulus value for the sample calculated for C/2° conditions.

For values greater than 8, 8 is displayed. For values less than 0, 0 is displayed.

When the D1500 function is optimized, the following equation is used:

D1500* =  +  (DX + DY + DZ)

Where, DX, DY, DZ, X, Y, and Z are as described above

 is the intercept correction constant entered by the user

 is the slope correction constant entered by the user.

To obtain the D1500 value for a specimen, complete the steps below.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

1. Standardize the instrument in a transmission mode using clear liquid in a 33-mm

transmission cell for setting the top of scale.
2. Select ASTM D1500-33 mm and ASTM D1500 Dilution Factor as indices for display in the
Color Data Table.
3. Two columns will be added to the color data table, one for the index and another for the
dilution factor.
4. To edit the scale constants, choose Options > Adjust Scale Factors and then ASTM D1500-
33mm from the submenu. Click OK, edit the constants, and indicate the dilution factor as
desired.
5. Measure the sample desired in a 33-mm transmission cell. The ASTM D1500-33 mm value
will be displayed in that column and the dilution factor will be displayed in the ASTM D1500
Dilution Factor column.
When ASTM D1500 data is recalled, the dilution factor will be correctly displayed and the index value
will be recalculated based on the current constants.

ASTM D1500 Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dASTM D1500-33 mm = (ASTM D1500-33 mm)sample - (ASTM D1500-33 mm)standard.

b/a Ratio
b/a Ratio is simply the b of Hunter L, a, b divided by the a of Hunter L, a, b.

b/a Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

db/a = (b/a)sample - (b/a)standard.

b*/a* Ratio
b*/a* Ratio is simply the b* of CIE L*a*b* divided by the a* of CIE L*a*b*.

b*/a* Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

db*/a* = (b*/a*)sample - (b*/a*)standard.

Brightness 457
457 nm Brightness can be used to measure the relative brightness of paper. 457 nm brightness is
calculated over the range of 400 nm to 510 nm in accordance with TAPPI document T452. While
HunterLab’s spectrophotometer geometries do not conform exactly to those specified by TAPPI, the
measurements correlate closely with those made on TAPPI-compliant instruments.

457 nm Brightness Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

d457 nm Brightness = (457 nm Brightness)sample - (457 nm Brightness)standard.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Color Value
Color Value is a single numerical value related to the amount of light-absorbing material (colorant)
contained in a sample and is usually based on spectral data. It is most often used to calculate the
difference in strength (% Strength) between a standard and a sample. Color Value may be calculated
by any one of three acceptable methods. The color value which results from one method may not
agree with any other method. The choice of method is usually dependent on the nature of the sample
and the need to obtain a color value. The Spectrophotometric methods for obtaining color value are
labeled as Color Value SUM, Color Value SWL, and Color Value WSUM, as described below.

Color Value SUM

Color Value SUM is calculated as the sum of the K/S values for the sample read across the spectrum for
reflectance measurements, and from the sum of the absorbance’s for the sample read across the
spectrum for transmittance measurements.
# points
K

S

Color Value SUM = = 1 for reflectance
# points

# points

 Absorbance
 =1
Color Value SUM = for transmittance.
# points

K/S and Absorbance are described in the Spectral Data Types section of this appendix.

Color Value SUM Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dColor Value SUM = (Color Value SUM)sample - (Color Value SUM)standard.

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Color Value SWL

Color Value SWL is the K/S measured at the wavelength of maximum absorption (minimum reflection)
for reflectance measurements or the absorbance at the wavelength of maximum absorption (minimum
transmittance) for transmittance measurements. K/S and Absorbance are described in the Spectral
Data Types section of this appendix.

Color Value SWL Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dColor Value SWL = (Color Value SWL)sample - (Color Value SWL)standard.

Color Value WSUM

Color Value WSUM is calculated using the sum of K/S weighted by illuminant and observer for the
sample read the spectrum for reflectance measurements, and using the sum of absorbances weighted
by illuminant and observer for the sample read across the spectrum for transmittance measurements.
# points
K

 =1 S
* E  * S
Color Value WSUM = for reflectance
# points

# points

 Absorbance
 =1
* E  * S
Color Value WSUM = for transmittance
# points

where E = Energy distribution of light source

S = Observer function.

K/S and Absorbance are described in the Spectral Data Types section of this appendix.

Color Value WSUM Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dColor Value WSUM = (Color Value WSUM)sample - (Color Value WSUM)standard.

Dominant WaveLength and Excitation Purity

The dominant wavelength and excitation purity chromaticity system was one of the first systems for
specifying the chromaticity of objects other than by their x, y values. It not only compensates for the
influence of the illuminant’s chromaticity, but also improves the correlation between the numbers and
visual attributes because it permits chromaticity specification in terms of hue and saturation. The
system is based on the additive-color-mixing properties of the x,y diagram. A color is specified by
describing how it would be matched by additively mixing the illuminant and light of some single
wavelengths.

Dominant wavelength is the wavelength needed for mixture with the illuminant. In general, it
identifies the hue of the object’s color.

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Excitation purity is the percentage contribution of the dominant wavelength to the mixture. Thus, 1.00
is the purity of all spectral colors and 0 is the purity of the illuminant. Excitation purity correlates with
saturation.

In order to derive dominant wavelength and excitation purity for a sample, plot the position of the
illuminant C - object color combination on the CIE x,y chromaticity diagram. The dominant wavelength
for sample (S) under illuminant C is found by drawing a straight line from the Illuminant C point
through S to the spectrum locus, where it intersects at the dominant wavelength. Excitation purity is
the percentage of the distance from illuminant C to S compared to the total distance from illuminant C
to the spectrum locus.

Dominant wavelength and excitation purity are calculated for the wavelengths of 397-673 nm. These
values are always calculated and displayed relative to the CIE 1931 2° standard observer and CIE
illuminant C regardless of the selected illuminant and observer. For complementary wavelengths, the
displayed values are less than zero.

For further information see “A Digital Computer Technique for Calculation of Dominant Wavelength”
by Charles G. Leete and Jack R. Lytle in Color Engineering, Volume 4, No. 1 (January - February 1966).

Dominant Wavelength Difference and Excitation Purity Difference are also available, and are defined as
follows:

dDominant Wavelength = (Dominant Wavelength)sample - (Dominant Wavelength)standard,

dExcitation Purity = (Excitation Purity)sample - (Excitation Purity)standard.

EBC-10 mm
The European Brewing Chemists (EBC) scale is used in the measurement of color of beer, malt worts,
caramel solutions, and similarly-colored liquids. The range of this transmission scale is 2 to 27 units,
with yellower, pale worts at the low end and redder dark worts, beers, and caramels at the upper end.
A 10-mm path length cell should be used for these measurements. EBC values are calculated as
follows:

 100 
EBC  25f * log 10  
 430 nm 
T

Where, f = EBC dilution factor (default = 1.0)

T430 nm = measured transmittance value (%) at 430 nm

and

 100   100 
Turbidity = free (“0.0”) if 1.27 * log 10    0.039 *1.27 * log 10   , else turbid (“1.0”).
 T700 nm   T430 nm 

Where, T700 nm = measured transmittance value (%) at 700 nm.

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EBC Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dEBC-10 mm = (EBC-10 mm)sample - (EBC-10 mm)standard.

EP-10 mm
EP (European Pharmacopoeia Color) is a visual liquid color index used in the pharmaceutical industry.
It consists of three primary color standard solutions (yellow, red, and blue) that are combined to
produce five standard color solutions: B (brown), BY (brownish-yellow), Y (yellow), GY (greenish-
yellow), and R (red). These standards are then diluted with hydrochloric acid to make 37 reference EP
liquid color standards: 9 Bs, 7 BYs, 7 Ys, 7 GYs, and 7 Rs.

Figure 3. EP Physical Standards

A HunterLab spectrophotometer standardized in a transmission mode can be used to instrumentally

determine the closest EP standard to any sample solution read. Samples should be measured using a
10-mm path length transmission cell, choosing the matching version of the EP index for display. The EP
standard value (or “Water” if the sample is closest to water white) is then reported.

Refer to European Pharmacopoeia Method 2.2.2, “Degree of Coloration of Liquids,” for more
information.

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FAC-10mm
FAC Color (AOCS Cc 13a-43), is used typically for grading dark colored oils, fats and tallows, which are
too dark to be read by AOCS RY. This AOCS Cc 13a-43 method determines the color of fats and oils by
comparison with permanent glass standards. FAC color is measured with 10mm path length.

At HunterLab, tristimulus color measurement (CIE C/2, L*, a*, b*) is used to correlate to the visual FAC
standard glasses. Twenty-six color standards are included in FAC standard color set, numbered from 1
to 45 in odd numbers, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37,
39, 41, 43, and 45.

Gardner-20 mm and D6166

The Gardner indices are designed for transmission measurements of samples, such as resins, that are
darker yellow or browner than those samples that would be measured with the APHA index. Samples
should be measured using a 10-mm path length transmission cell for the D6166 index and a 20-mm cell
for the 20-mm index.

The Gardner-20 mm index is a proprietary yellowness index based upon a correlation between ASTM
YI E313 and Gardner Color. Gardner-20 mm Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dGardner-20 mm = (Gardner-20 mm)sample - (Gardner-20 mm)standard.

The Gardner D6166 (Gardner 10mm) index conforms to ASTM Method D6166 and uses a look-up table
to determine Gardner Color based on the sample’s Yxy (C/2°) values.

Table 1. Gardner D6166 Look Up Table

Gardner Color Y x y
1 80 0.3177 0.3303
2 79 0.3233 0.3352
3 76 0.3329 0.3452
4 75 0.3437 0.3644
5 74 0.3558 0.3840
6 71 0.3767 0.4061
7 67 0.4044 0.4352
8 64 0.4207 0.4498
9 61 0.4343 0.4640
10 57 0.4503 0.4760
11 45 0.4842 0.4818
12 36 0.5077 0.4638
13 30 0.5392 0.4458
14 22 0.5646 0.4270
15 16 0.5857 0.4089
16 11 0.6047 0.3921
17 6 0.6290 0.3701
18 4 0.6477 0.3521

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Gardner D6166 is calculated as follows:

GTM  GI  GF

Where, GTM = the Gardner color of the test material

GI = the integer portion of the test material’s Gardner color value

GF = the fractional portion of the Gardner color value.

By comparing the x chromaticity coordinate of the test material with the x chromaticity coordinates for
the D1544 visual Gardner Color standards, the integer portion of the Gardner color can be determined
using this equation:

G I  G n , where x n  x T M  x n 1

Where, Gn = the Gardner color value which is lighter than the test material

xn = the x chromaticity coordinate of the Gardner color standard which is lighter than the
test material

xTM = the x chromaticity coordinate of the test material

xn+1 = the x chromaticity coordinate of the Gardner color standard which is darker than
the test material.

The fractional portion of the Gardner color is calculated as follows:

GF 
x n 1 - x n x T M - x n   y n 1 - y n y T M - y n 
x n 1 - x n 2  y n 1 - y n 2
Where, yn = the y chromaticity coordinate of the Gardner color standard which is lighter than the test
material

yTM = the y chromaticity coordinate of the test material

yn+1 = the y chromaticity of the Gardner color standard which is darker than the test
material

xn, xn+1, and xTM are as defined above.

Available values range from 0.1 to 18.0 for both Gardner scales. A value of zero or 18.1 indicates the
value is out of range.

Gardner D6166 Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dGardner D6166 = (Gardner D6166)sample - (Gardner D6166)standard.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Iodine-10 mm
Iodine Color (DIN6162) is used typically for oils and chemicals ranging from yellow to brown. DIN6162
defines the iodine color value as mg iodine per 100 mL potassium iodide solution. Color matching with
the iodine color scale determines the depth of color of clear liquids like solvents, plasticizers, resins,
oils and fatty acids, whose color is like that of a solution of iodine and potassium iodide of the same
thickness.

A HunterLab spectrophotometer standardized in a transmission mode can be used to instrumentally

determine the closet Iodine standard to any sample solution. Iodine color is measured with 10 mm
path length. The color range of Iodine 10 mm is 0-500 (mg/100ml). Per DIN-ISO 6271, for iodine color
values of less than or approximately 1, the determination of APHA value is to be preferred.

LOVIBOND RY
The calculation of the LOVIBOND® color values is derived from the methods AOCS Cc 13e-92. We only
report LOVIBOND® RY scales because for most oils and fats the color is red and yellow with LOVIBOND®
B as 0. 84 glasses (Red, Yellow, Blue, and Neutral) are used in LOVIBOND® RYBN scale to compare the
color of light which is either transmitted through, or reflected from, the sample. It is noted that the red
measurements of the AOCS RY do not match the red measurements of LOVIBOND® RYBN.

LOVIBOND® glass color standards:

Red Glasses: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70
Yellow Glasses: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70
Blue Glasses: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
10, 20, 30, 40
Neutral Glasses: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
1, 2, 3

At HunterLab, tristimulus color measurement (CIE, C/2, Y, x, y) is used to correlate to the visual
LOVIBOND® RY color standards. In EasyMatch QC, both of cell path length and report path length are
reported together with LOVIBOND® RY. You can measure oil samples in cuvette/flat cell/vials then
report the LOVIBOND® RY values in 1 in or 5.25 in. In EasyMatch QC, go to Options >Adjust Scale
Factors, select LOVIBOND® RY and then configure the cell path length and report path length.

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

Figure 4. LOVIBOND® Scale Selection

Figure 5. Select Pathlength

All available cell path lengths are: 10 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 33 mm, 50 mm. All available report path
lengths are: 25.4 mm (1 in) and 133.35 mm (5.25 in).

Saybolt-50/100 mm
The Saybolt index is calculated as described below. These calculations adjust the spectral data to
account for use of a 50 mm sample cell rather than a 100-mm cell, so spectral data must be available
for this type of calculation.

 44.5 
Saybolt  51.1   
 log10E * - 2.55 

Where, E * = 100 - L *2  a *2 + b *2

L* is the L* value for the sample calculated for C/2° conditions

a* is the a* value for the sample calculated for C/2° conditions

b* is the b* value for the sample calculated for C/2° conditions.

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The implied standard for the DE* calculation is the top-of-scale standardization to a 100-mm cell filled
with dodecane. An adjustment is also made for calculating this value using a 50-mm cell rather than a
100-mm cell.

For values greater than 30, 30 is displayed. For values less than -16, -16 is displayed.

When the Saybolt function is optimized, the following equation is used:

  
Saybolt *      , where
 log10 E * -  

E* is as above.

 is the intercept correction constant entered by the user.

 is the slope correction constant entered by the user.

 is the correction constant entered by the user..

To obtain Saybolt values, complete the following steps.

1. Standardize the instrument in a transmission mode.

2. Select Saybolt as an index for display in the Color Data Table.
3. Two columns will be added to the color data table. The first column gives the calculated
value for the index and the second column indicates “Dil” if the specimen read was
diluted.
4. To edit the scale constants, choose Options > Configure Scales and Saybolt-50/100 mm
from the submenu. Edit the constants and whether dilution was used.
5. The column header is displayed with a trailing asterisk (*) if custom constants are in use.
6. Read the sample using a 50 mm transmission cell.
When Saybolt data is recalled, the dilution indication will be correctly displayed and the index value
will be recalculated based on the current constants. Saybolt Difference is also available, and is defined
as follows:

dSaybolt-50/100 mm = (Saybolt-50/100 mm)sample - (Saybolt-50/100 mm)standard.

Tint Indices
Three tint indices are available in EasyMatch QC as defined below. These indices are available only
when the instrument is standardized in a reflectance mode.

CIE Tint and ASTM E313 Tint are calculated using the same equation, given below, but are available for
different illuminant/observer combinations, as described below. Refer to CIE Publication 15.2,
“Colorimetry,” for more information on CIE Tint. Refer to ASTM E313, “Standard Practice for

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Calculating Yellowness and Whiteness Indices from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates,” for
more information on ASTM E313 Tint.

Tint E313  Tx (x n - x) - 650 (y n - y)  Tint CIE

where x and y are the chromaticity coordinates of the specimen and x n and yn are the chromaticity
coordinates for the CIE standard illuminant and source used. These values are provided in the table
below based on the illuminant and observer used. The Tx coefficient is also given in the table. CIE Tint
is available for the D65/10°, D65/2°, and C/2° illuminant/observer combinations. ASTM E313 Tint is
available for illuminants C, D50, and D65 and the 2° and 10° standard observers. A blank cell is
received when any other illuminant/observer combination is in use.

Table 2. CIE Tint Coefficients

Value C/2° D50/2° D65/2° C/10° D50/10° D65/10°

Tx 1000 1000 1000 900 900 900
xn 0.3101 0.3457 0.3127 0.3104 0.3477 0.3138
yn 0.3161 0.3585 0.3290 0.3191 0.3595 0.3310

Tint CIE Difference and Tint E313 Difference are also available, and are defined as follows:

dTint CIE = (Tint CIE)sample - (Tint CIE)standard,

dTint E313 = (Tint E313)sample - (Tint E313)standard.

Tint GANZ = mx + ny + k

-cos 
Where, m = = - 937.588
BW

sin 
n = = 826.697
BW

k = - mx - ny = 21.352

x and y are the CIE chromaticity coordinates.

 is the angle, in chromaticity space, between the x chromaticity axis and the line that joins the
chromaticity coordinates measured for the lowest and highest whiteness steps of the 4-step
cotton white scale. Its value depends on the exact illumination conditions of the instrument.

Note: Only the LabScan XE, UltraScan PRO, and UltraScan VIS instruments with the UV
control option installed may correctly calculate Ganz Tint.

Tint GANZ Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

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dTint GANZ = (Tint GANZ)sample - (Tint GANZ)standard.

A few caveats regarding measurement of tint:

• The application of this equation is restricted to samples that are called “white”
commercially, that are similar in color and fluorescence, and that are measured on the
same instrument at the same time. Under these conditions, their use should give relative,
but not absolute, evaluations of tint that are adequate for commercial use.
• The more positive the value of tint, the greater is the indicated greenish tint of the sample.
The more negative the value of tint, the greater is its reddish tint. Lines of equal tint are
approximately parallel to the line of dominant wavelength 466 nm. For perfect white, tint =
0.
• Equal differences in tint do not always represent equal perceptual differences in tint.
• This equation should only be used for samples having tint values between -3 and +3.

USP 10-mm
USP (United States Pharmacopeia Color) is a visual liquid color index used in the pharmaceutical
industry. It consists of three primary color standard solutions (cobaltous chloride, ferric chloride, and
cupric sulfate) that are combined with water to produce 20 reference USP liquid color standards
labeled A-T.

Figure 6. USP Standards

A HunterLab spectrophotometer standardized in a transmission mode may be used to instrumentally

determine the closest USP standard to any sample solution read. Samples should be measured using a
10-mm path length transmission cell, choosing the matching version of the USP index for display. The
USP standard value (or “Water” if the sample is closest to water white) is then reported.

Refer to U.S. Pharmacopeia Monograph 631, “Color and Achromicity,” for more information.

Whiteness Indices
Whiteness is associated with a region or volume in color space in which objects are recognized as
white. Degree of whiteness is measured by the degree of departure of the object from a perfect white.

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Whiteness Index per CIE is equivalent to the whiteness index published in ASTM Method E313.

WI CIE = Y + 800 (xn - x) + 1700 (yn - y) = WI E313

where Y, x, y are the luminance factor and chromaticity coordinates of the specimen, and xn and yn are
the chromaticity coordinates for the CIE standard illuminant and source used. These values are
provided in the table below based on the illuminant and observer used. Whiteness Index can only be
calculated for illuminants C, D50, and D65. A blank cell is received when any other illuminant is in use.

Table 3. Coefficients for Xn and Yn by Ill/Obs

Value C/2° D50/2° D65/2° C/10° D50/10° D65/10°

xn 0.3101 0.3457 0.3127 0.3104 0.3477 0.3138
yn 0.3161 0.3585 0.3290 0.3191 0.3595 0.3310

Refer to ASTM Method E313, “Standard Practice for Calculating Yellowness and Whiteness Indices
from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates,” for more information.

Whiteness Index per the CIE Colorimetry Committee (displayed as Whiteness Index CIE) is the same as
the current ASTM E313 whiteness described above, but may only be calculated and displayed for
D65/2°, D65/10°, and C/2°. The CIE method on which this index is based is equivalent to AATCC Test
Method 110: Whiteness of Textiles.

WI CIE Difference and WI E313 Difference are also available, and are defined as follows:

dWI CIE = (WI CIE)sample - (WI CIE)standard,

dWI E313 = (WI E313)sample - (WI E313)standard.

Spectral reflectance can vary based on the geometry of the instrument used, the exact properties of
the illuminant simulated (usually D65), and the condition of the instrument’s lamp. This can be a
problem, especially for measurement of fluorescent samples, where maintenance of a constant
illuminant spectral energy distribution is imperative. The main purpose in creating the Ganz
Whiteness Index was to allow constant, comparable results for whiteness and tint of fluorescent
materials, even by using instruments of different designs and different illuminant simulation.

WI GANZ = DY + Px + Qy + C for D65/10°

W
Where, D = = 1
Y

 - W   cos +   
P=  *   = -1868.113 for UltraScan VIS
 S   cos   

= a similar value, optimized for each individual instrument for

ColorQuest XE, LabScan XE, UltraScan PRO, and Vista

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 Colorimetry Reference Guide for EasyMatch QC

 W   sin  +   
Q=  *   = -3695.281 for UltraScan VIS
 S   cos  

= a similar value, optimized for each individual instrument for

ColorQuest XE, LabScan XE, UltraScan PRO, and Vista

  W  
C =  W0 * 1 -     = 1811.033 for UltraScan VIS
 - PX n - Q y n
  Y 

= a similar value, optimized for each individual instrument for

ColorQuest XE, LabScan XE, UltraScan PRO, and Vista.

Y, x, and y are the CIE Chromaticity Coordinates

 = the hue preference in reference to the perpendicular to the reference dominant

wavelength (RWL) = 15°

 = the angle between the RWL and the x-axis of the chromaticity chart = 48.18154°

W
= 1 = contribution of lightness to whiteness
Y

W
= 4000 = contribution of saturation to whiteness
S

W0 = 100 = degree of whiteness of physical ideal white

Xn
xn = = 0.313795
X n + Yn + Z n 

Yn
yn = = 0.330972
X n + Yn + Z n 

Xn = 94.81 (for D65/10°)

Yn = 100 (for D65/10°)

Zn = 107.33 (for D65/10°).

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Note: Only the ColorQuest XE, LabScan XE, UltraScan PRO, and UltraScan VIS instruments
with the UV control option installed may correctly calculate Ganz Whiteness.

Information from Griesser, Rolf, “Assessment of Whiteness and Tint of Fluorescent Substrates with
Good Inter-instrument Correlation,” Color Research and Application, Vol. 19, 1994.

WI GANZ Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dWI GANZ = (WI GANZ)sample - (WI GANZ)standard.

Y Brightness
Y brightness is the Y value from the CIE XYZ color scale.

Y Brightness Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dY Brightness = (Y Brightness)sample - (Y Brightness)standard.

Yellowness Indices
Visually, yellowness is associated with scorching, soiling, and general product degradation by light,
chemical exposure, and processing. Yellowness indices are used chiefly to measure these types of
degradation.

Yellowness Index per ASTM Method E313 is calculated as follows:

100 C x X - C Z Z
YI E313 =
Y

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where X, Y, and Z are the CIE Tristimulus values and the coefficients depend on the illuminant and
observer as indicated in the table below. Yellowness Index may only be calculated for illuminants D65
and C. A blank cell is received when any other illuminant is in use.

Table 4. Yellowness Coefficients

Coefficient C/2° D65/2° C/10° D65/10°

CX 1.2769 1.2985 1.2871 1.3013
CZ 1.0592 1.1335 1.0781 1.1498

YI E313 Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dYI E313 = (YI E313)sample - (YI E313)standard.

Yellowness Index per ASTM Method D1925 is calculated by the software as follows:

100 1.27497679 5X - 1.05839817 8 Z

YI D1925 = under C/2° conditions for all instruments.
Y

The yellowness index formula is shown in ASTM D1925 as:

100 1.28 X CIE - 1.06 Z CIE 

YI D1925 = under C/2° conditions.
YCIE

The tristimulus values of clear air (for CIE illuminant C and the 1931 CIE 2° standard observer) are X =
98.041, Y = 100.000, Z = 118.103. Using these values, the ASTM formula yields YI = 0.303 for clear air
because the factors are truncated to three significant figures. In order to set the yellowness index for
air equal to 0.0, the constant multipliers for XCIE and ZCIE have been expanded slightly.

The ASTM D1925 method was withdrawn in 1995, but this formula still provides useful information.
This index is always calculated for C/2°, regardless what illuminant and observer are chosen.

YI D1925 Difference is also available, and is defined as follows:

dYI D1925 = (YI D1925)sample - (YI D1925)standard.

Paper Brightness (Z%)

Paper brightness, Z%, is used in the evaluation of the degradation of white materials. It can also be a
measure of the effectiveness of bleaching.

100Z CIE
Z% = .
Zn

Z% Difference is also available, and is defined as follows: dZ% = (Z%)sample - (Z%)standard.

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Read Methods

Haze
A transmission haze measurement is a ratio of the diffuse light to the total light transmitted by a
specimen. Useful measurements of haze can be made on the HunterLab instruments listed below,
although the results do not conform exactly to ASTM method D1003 because of differences in
instrument geometry. Haze is calculated as follows:

YDiffuse T ransmission
Haze  x 100 .
YT otalT ransmission

Haze measurements can be made only in a transmission mode on a benchtop sphere instrument
(ColorQuest XE, UltraScan PRO, Vista, or UltraScan VIS).

In order to measure and display haze values using EasyMatch QC, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Select Options > Read Method.

2. Select Haze from the dialog box that appears. The screen changes to allow additional
options.

Figure 7. Options > Read Method

3. Haze is automatically selected for display in your Color Data Table. Check the boxes next to
Y Total and/or Y Diffuse to also show these components of the haze calculation. Click the
radio button next to the illuminant/observer combination you wish to use. Then click OK.

4. Standardize the instrument in TTRAN mode. This is a 3 step process on all instruments, but
the Vista. With Vista, the standardization is automated. First, place the black card at the
lens side. Then, remove the black card and place the white tile at the reflectance port.
Finally, remove the white tile and place the light trap at the reflectance port.

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5. Read the standard or sample by choosing Read Standard or Read Sample from the
Measurements menu, clicking the Read Standard or Read Sample button on the toolbar, or
pressing F2 or F3. The following prompt appears.

Figure 8. Read Sample with White Tile in Place

6. Place your sample against the transmission port (the hole in the sphere inside the
transmission compartment) and place the white calibration tile at the reflectance port.
Click Read. The instrument reads and then the following prompt appears.

Figure 9. Read Sample with Light Trap at Port

7. Leave your sample at the transmission port and replace the white calibration tile with the
light trap. Click Read. The instrument reads. You may be prompted to enter an ID for the
measurement as usual. After you do so, Haze and the other parameters you chose to
display will be shown in your Color Data Table.

Figure 10. Haze Results

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NTU-10 mm (Opalescence/Turbidity of Liquids

Opalescence/Turbidity of liquids is not a common colorimetric application, though one application
encountered is measuring the opalescence of the bleaching solutions used in dental whitening.
Opalescence/Turbidity is always reported with this unit, NTU (nephelometric turbidity units).
NTU-10 mm index has been implemented into our software to report the degree of
Opalescence/Turbidity of liquids. It is calculated from transmittance Haze. You can measure
NTU-10 mm using a sphere instrument such as Vista, UltraScan PRO, or UltraScan VIS.

Opacity
Note: Opacity may not be measured using a ColorQuest XT or Vista.

Opacity measurements determine opacity (in reflectance mode) by a contrast ratio measurement. The
Y value of the specimen backed by the black glass, non-slip (black) pad for the sample clamp, or light
trap is divided by the Y value of the specimen backed by the white tile or white sample clamp insert.
The resulting fraction is Y%, or opacity, which is calculated as follows:

YBlack Backing
Opacity  x 100 .
YWhiteBacking

In order to measure and display opacity values, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Select Options > Read Method.

2. Select Opacity from the dialog box that appears. The screen changes to allow
additional options.

Figure 11. Read Method for Opacity

3. Opacity is automatically selected for display in your Color Data Table. Check the
boxes next to Y White and/or Y Black to also show these components of the opacity

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calculation. Click the radio button next to the illuminant/observer combination you
wish to use. Then click OK.
4. Standardize the instrument. (Use RSIN mode for UltraScan PRO and UltraScan VIS.)
5. Read the standard or sample by choosing Read Standard or Read Sample from the
Measurements menu, clicking the Read Standard or Read Sample button on the
toolbar, or pressing F2 or F3. The following prompt appears.

Figure 12. Read Opacity with White Backing

6. Place your sample at the measurement port, backing it with the white standard tile
or the white disk of the sample clamp. Click Read. The instrument reads and then
the following prompt appears.

Figure 13. Read Opacity with Black Backing

7. Remove the white backing and place the sample at the measurement port, backing
it with the black glass, light trap, or the black non-slip pad of the sample clamp. Click
Read. The instrument reads. You may be prompted to enter an ID for the
measurement as usual. After you do so, Haze and the other parameters you chose
to display will be shown in your Color Data Table.

Figure 14. Opacity Results

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Spectral Data Types

% Strength
Selecting % Strength as a difference data type for display in the Spectral Data Table results in the
display of % Strength values for samples as compared to a standard. % Strength is calculated
separately for each wavelength displayed, as follows:

K/S sample
% Strength  *100 for reflectance
K/S standard

Absorbancesample
% Strength  *100 for transmittance.
Absorbancestandard

K/S and Absorbance are described below.

Absorbance
Selecting Absorbance as the spectral data type when configuring a Spectral Data Table for an
instrument standardized in Total or Regular Transmittance results in the display of absorbance values.
Absorbance values are calculated for each wavelength.

Absorbance = -log10T, where T = % transmittance.

In the Color Data Table configuration, a wavelength range appropriate for your instrument should be
chosen. Do not choose wavelengths above or below the range of your instrument or the results of
these calculations may be in error.

K/S
Selecting K/S as the spectral data type when configuring the Spectral Data Table results in the display
of K/S values. These values are valid only for measurements made in a reflectance mode. Therefore,
they are displayed only when the standardization mode is reflectance.

K/S values for the product standard and sample are calculated for each wavelength. The points of
minimum and maximum reflectance of the product standard and sample may be viewed on the
Spectral Plot.

K
=
1 - 0.01 R 
2

, where R = % reflectance.
S 20.01R 

Calculating K/S is only appropriate for samples whose minimum % reflectance (at any wavelength) is at
least 10%. If the minimum % reflectance is less than 10%, you should dilute the sample before
measurement of K/S.

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In the Spectral Data Table configuration, a wavelength range appropriate for your instrument should
be chosen. Do not choose wavelengths above or below the range of your instrument or the results of
these calculations may be in error.

Reflectance
Selecting reflectance spectral data allows the raw reflectance value (%) for each wavelength interval
selected in the configuration to be displayed.

Transmittance
Selecting transmittance spectral data allows the raw transmittance value (%) for each wavelength
interval selected in the configuration to be displayed.

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Index

% Strength, 47 EBC-10 mm, 30

% Strength SUM, 21 Elliptical Tolerancing Scales, 13
% Strength SWL, 21 EP Color, 31
% Strength WSUM, 21 European Pharmacopoeia Color, 31
457 nm brightness, 27 Excitation purity, 29
a*/b* Ratio, 23 FAC, 32
a/b Ratio, 23 FMC-2, 18
Absorbance, 47 Gardner, 32
ADMI, 23 Grey scale, 18
AOCS RY, 24 Grey Stain, 20
APHA, 24 Haze, 43
ASBC-10 mm, 25 Hunter Lab, 7
ASTM D1500, 26 Indices, 23
ASTM E313 tint, 37 Iodine, 34
b*/a* Ratio, 27 ISO Grey Scale, 18
b/a Ratio, 27 ISO Grey stain, 20
Brightness K/S, 47
Y, 41 LOVIBOND RY, 34
Brightness 457, 27 Measurement values, 5
CIE 1976 L*a*b*, 7 Metamerism Index, 21
CIE 1994, 14 NTU, 45
CIE chromaticity coordinates, 7 Opacity, 45
CIE TC 1-29, 14 Opalescence/Turbidity of Liquids, 45
CIE tint, 36 Opponent-color scales, 7
CIE tristimulus XYZ, 7 Paper brightness, 42
CIELAB2000, 16 Rdab, 11
CIELCh, 7 Read Methods, 43
CMC, 13 Reflectance, 48
Color difference scales, 13 RxRyRz, 11
Color scales, 7 Saybolt, 35
Color Value, 28 Spectral data types, 47
Color Value SUM, 28 Strength, 21
Color Value SWL, 29 Strength SUM, 21
Color Value WSUM, 29 Strength SWL, 21
dC, 8 Strength WSUM, 21
dC*, 9 Tint Indices, 36
dE, 8 Transmittance, 48
dE CIE94, 14 United Status Pharmacopeia Color, 38
dE*, 9 USP, 38
dE* 2000, 16 Whiteness Indices, 39
dH*, 9 WI CIE, 39
DIN99, 14 WI-E313, 39
Dominant wavelength, 29 XYZ, 7
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Y brightness, 41 YI E313, 41
Yellowness Indices, 41 Yxy, 7
YI D1925, 42 Z%, 42

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