Free Online Hue Test: Measure Your Color Vision (FM-100)

Ali Agbulak
2026-03-27T01:15:00+03:00

Excerpt: Take the free Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test online and discover your color perception sensitivity. Learn what your score means and explore the science behind color vision.

More

Ready to Test Your Color Perception?

You can examine the perfect (0 error) arrangement of colors in the image below. Click the button to measure your own score.

START THE TEST NOW

Why Is This Test More Comprehensive?

Many online hue tests you may encounter are merely simplified adaptations of the original Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test. In these tests, the color scale is kept much narrower — meaning the hue differences between discs are artificially enlarged. This significantly reduces the test's discriminative sensitivity and does not accurately reflect your true color perception ability.

The scoring system also differs from the original in most online versions. The real FM-100 test calculates each disc's deviation from its neighbors using a scientific algorithm, revealing which color axis (red-green, yellow-blue, etc.) shows weakness. Simplified tests only show the total error count, making results harder to interpret.

This test has been prepared in faithful adherence to the original FM-100 methodology: with the full color scale, scientific scoring algorithm, and statistical comparison, you can truly measure your color perception.

How to Complete the Test?

• Drag the color discs and arrange them in order by hue.

• The first and last disc in each row are fixed and cannot be moved.

• After completing all four trays, click the "Confirm Result" button.

Important Note: This test is a simulation; screen quality and ambient lighting may affect results. Results do not constitute a medical diagnosis and domoda.com accepts no legal liability.

In this article, we take you on a journey through the magical world of colors and briefly cover the following topics:

Table of Contents

• What Is the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test?

• History and Applications of the Test

• How Is Scoring Done and What Do Scores Mean?

• Can This Test Detect Color Blindness?

• Types of Color Blindness

• Color Approval (Lab-Dip) Process in Industry

• A Brief Introduction to Color Theory and Harmony

• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test?

The Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test is one of the world's most widely recognized and precise methods for measuring the human eye's ability to distinguish very subtle differences between color hues. The test consists of a total of 85 movable colored discs that must be arranged across four separate trays, each representing different regions of the visible spectrum.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

History and Applications of the Test

Developed by Dean Farnsworth in 1943, this method has since been considered the "gold standard" in industries where color sensitivity is critical.

Why Is It Used? It is used to verify the color vision capacity of personnel in fields where color accuracy is vital, such as textiles, graphic arts, and the paint industry.

Where Can It Be Purchased? The original physical test kits are currently manufactured by X-Rite and can be obtained for professional laboratories.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

How Is Scoring Done and What Do Scores Mean?

Scoring is calculated using a scientific algorithm that measures how far each disc deviates from its ideal position and the transition harmony with its neighboring colors.

Statistical Interpretation of Scores:

Superior Perception (0–16 Errors): Approximately 16% of the population scores in this range. These individuals are "Master Colorist" candidates and can distinguish even the most challenging color differences.

Average Perception (17–100 Errors): Approximately 68% of the population falls within this normal competency range. While sufficient for everyday tasks, it may be risky for professional color approval.

Weak Perception (101+ Errors): Approximately 16% of the population makes more than 100 errors. This may indicate a color vision deficiency.

An important point to note when taking the test: it is recommended to complete the test within 15 minutes; prolonged exposure can cause eye fatigue, which may negatively affect results. Research also shows that a small improvement in score may be observed on the first retake, but this improvement does not continue in subsequent attempts. However, it is known that regular and conscious work with colors — in fields such as textiles, paint, or graphic design — can improve eye muscles and color perception over time.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Can This Test Detect Color Blindness?

While the FM-100 Hue Test is not a clinical color blindness diagnostic tool, it is used as a powerful screening method that indicates color vision deficiencies. The test's scoring chart — a polar coordinate diagram — reveals error patterns concentrated on specific color axes. These patterns provide important clues about what type of color blindness may be present:

Dense errors on the red-green axis → Possible protanopia or deuteranopia

Dense errors on the yellow-blue axis → Possible tritanopia

Scattered high errors across all axes → General color perception weakness or factors arising from test conditions

⚠️ Important Warning: This test is not a medical diagnostic tool. If you suspect color blindness, it is recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Methods such as the Ishihara test or anomaloscope applied in a clinical setting are required for a definitive diagnosis.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Types of Color Blindness

Color blindness (color vision deficiency) results from a deficiency or dysfunction in the pigments of the eye's cone cells. The human eye contains three types of cones: red-sensitive (L), green-sensitive (M), and blue-sensitive (S). Dysfunction of one or more of these cones leads to different types of color blindness.

🔴 Red-Green Color Blindness (Most Common)

Protanopia: L cones (red-sensitive) are completely non-functional. Red colors are perceived as very dark or close to black. Occurs in approximately 1% of men.

Protanomaly: L cones are partially functional; distinguishing red, orange, and yellow hues becomes difficult. A milder form.

Deuteranopia: M cones (green-sensitive) are completely non-functional. Red and green become confused; this is the most common type of color blindness. Occurs in approximately 1% of men.

Deuteranomaly: M cones are partially functional; perceiving green hues becomes difficult. The most frequent color vision deficiency, occurring in approximately 5% of men.

🔵 Yellow-Blue Color Blindness (Rare)

Tritanopia: S cones (blue-sensitive) are completely non-functional. Distinguishing blue and yellow hues becomes impossible. Occurs equally in both men and women; affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people.

Tritanomaly: S cones are partially functional; distinguishing blue-green from yellow-red becomes difficult. A milder form than tritanopia.

⚫ Complete Color Blindness (Achromatopsia)

Achromatopsia (Monochromacy): All cone cells are non-functional; the world is perceived only in shades of gray. An extremely rare condition (approximately 1 in 30,000) that is generally accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Blue Cone Monochromacy: Only S cones function partially. Similar to achromatopsia but far rarer.

Statistical Note: Color vision deficiency is far more common in men; approximately 8% of men and only 0.5% of women have some form of color blindness. This difference stems from the relevant genes being located on the X chromosome (X-linked inheritance).

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Color Approval (Lab-Dip) Process in Industry

In the textile world, sample dyeings (lab-dips) must be approved before a fabric goes into mass production. In this process, the eye sensitivity of the approving person and the light source used (such as D65 Daylight) are decisive.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

A Brief Introduction to Color Theory and Harmony

When colors interact with each other, our perception can change. Understanding the balance between the energy of contrasting colors and the harmony of analogous colors is the foundation of creating the right combinations.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the color blindness test free?

Yes, this test is completely free. You can start immediately in your browser without downloading any application.

Does the hue test definitively diagnose color blindness?

No. This test is a screening tool; you need to consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a definitive diagnosis. The Ishihara test or anomaloscope applied in a clinical setting is required for a definitive diagnosis.

How common is color blindness?

Approximately 8% of men and 0.5% of women have some form of color vision deficiency. The most common type is deuteranomaly, a green color weakness.

How long does it take to complete the test?

On average 10–15 minutes. It is recommended not to exceed 15 minutes to prevent eye fatigue; tired eyes can negatively affect results.

Can color blindness be treated?

There is currently no permanent cure. Specially filtered lenses and glasses can make color discrimination easier in some cases, but do not offer a fundamental solution.

Which type of color blindness is most common?

Deuteranomaly (green color weakness) is the most frequently seen type; it affects approximately 5% of men. Protanomaly (red weakness) follows.

↑ Back to Table of Contents