The Most Difficult Color to See, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the color you think is the most difficult!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:23

Have you ever wondered which color is the hardest to spot? Different colors can be more or less visible depending on various factors like lighting or background contrast. Identifying these subtle differences not only satisfies curiosity but also has practical applications in design and safety environments. By participating in our community-driven rankings, you contribute to a collective understanding of this intriguing visual phenomenon. Each vote helps adjust and refine our list, providing a clearer picture of how colors perform under diverse conditions. Join in and cast your vote today to see where your observations fit into the broader consensus!

What Is the Most Difficult Color to See?

1

59
votes
Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet light, also known as blacklight, is outside the range of human vision and can only be detected with specialized equipment.
Ultraviolet is a vibrant and intense hue that lies beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum. It appears as a deep, electric purple shade that emits a strong sense of energy and intrigue. This color is often associated with futuristic aesthetics and has gained significant popularity in various fields including fashion, art, and design. Ultraviolet is known for its ability to create an otherworldly and enigmatic atmosphere wherever it is used.

Wavelength Range: approximately 10 nm to 400 nm

Hexadecimal Code: #9400D3

RGB Values: (148, 0, 211)

CMYK Values: (30, 100, 0, 17)

HSL Values: (282°, 100%, 41%)
2

39
votes
Infrared

Infrared light is also outside the range of human vision and can only be detected with specialized equipment.
Infrared is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light. It is invisible to the human eye but can be detected and measured with appropriate technology. Infrared radiation is commonly used in various applications including night vision, thermal imaging, remote sensing, and communication.

Wavelength: Between 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter

Frequency range: Approximately 300 GHz to 430 THz

Energy: Lower than visible light

Sources: Sunlight, thermal radiation, and artificial sources

Applications: Night vision, thermal imaging, remote sensing, communication
3

17
votes
Dark blue

Dark blue colors are difficult to distinguish from black, especially in low light conditions.
Dark blue is a deep shade of the color blue, characterized by its low brightness and high saturation. It can be described as a rich, intense blue that appears almost black, but with a discernible blue hue when seen in proper lighting conditions.

Hexadecimal value: #00008B

RGB value: 0, 0, 139

CMYK value: 100%, 100%, 0%, 45%

HSL value: 240, 100%, 27%

HSV value: 240, 100%, 55%
4

20
votes
Olive green

Olive green is a muted color that can be difficult to distinguish from other green or brown shades.
Olive green is a warm and earthy green color that resembles the shade of ripened olives. It is a popular farmhouse paint color known for its timeless appeal and versatility. Olive green exudes a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, making it an excellent choice for creating a cozy and inviting farmhouse ambiance.

RGB Value: (128, 128, 0)

Hex Value: #808000

CMYK Value: (27, 0, 100, 50)

HSL Value: (60, 100, 25)

Suggested Finish: Eggshell or matte
5

17
votes
Magenta

Magenta is a color that does not exist on the visible spectrum and is created by combining blue and red light. It can be difficult to distinguish from other shades of pink or purple.
Magenta is a vibrant and intense shade of red that is highly saturated and falls between red and purple on the color spectrum. It possesses a rich and luscious appearance that exudes energy and passion. Magenta is often described as a captivating and alluring color that demands attention and creates a sense of mystery.

RGB Value: (255, 0, 255)

Hex Code: #FF00FF

Hue: 300°

Saturation: 100%

Lightness: 50%
6

21
votes
Beige

Beige is a neutral color that can blend in with other colors and be difficult to distinguish in certain lighting conditions.
Beige is a popular epoxy floor color that exudes warmth and elegance. It is a neutral shade that adds a touch of sophistication to any space. Its soft tone creates an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony, making it a versatile choice for various interior styles and designs.

Color Family: Neutral

Appearance: Soft and warm

Mood: Tranquil and sophisticated

Versatility: Suitable for various interior styles

Applications: Residential, commercial, and industrial spaces
7

2
votes
Mustard yellow

Mustard yellow is a muted shade of yellow that can be difficult to distinguish from other shades of yellow or brown.
Mustard yellow is a warm, rich and vibrant shade of yellow with a slight hint of brown. It resembles the color of mustard seeds or the condiments made from them. It exudes a sense of warmth and earthiness, making it a popular choice for farmhouse-style interiors.

RGB Value: R: 165, G: 143, B: 63

Hex Code: #A58F3F

CMYK Values: C: 0%, M: 13%, Y: 62%, K: 35%

HSL Values: H: 46°, S: 45%, L: 44%

CIE-LAB Values: L: 54.1, a: 3.5, b: 44.6
8

6
votes
Taupe

Taupe is a gray-brown color that can be difficult to distinguish from other shades of brown or gray in certain lighting conditions.
Taupe is a complex neutral color with a mixture of gray, brown, and subtle hints of purple. It is often described as a warm gray or a brownish-gray color. Taupe is known for its comforting and earthy appearance, making it a popular choice in interior design and fashion.

Hex Code: #483C32

RGB Value: (72, 60, 50)

CMYK Value: (0, 17, 31, 72)

HSV Value: (30°, 31%, 28%)

HSL Value: (30°, 17%, 27%)
9

11
votes
Pewter

Pewter is a dark gray color that can be difficult to distinguish from other shades of gray or black.
Pewter is a dark, bluish-grey color with a subtle metallic sheen. It is often described as a mix between silver and lead grey. Pewter has a muted and neutral appearance, making it a versatile color that can be used in various design applications.

Hex Code: #8BA8A1

RGB Values: 139, 168, 161

CMYK Values: 17, 0, 4, 34

HSL Values: 166, 9%, 61%

HSV Values: 166, 17%, 66%
10

6
votes
Slate blue

Slate blue is a dark blue-gray color that can be difficult to distinguish from other shades of blue or gray.
Slate blue is a color that can be described as a medium to dark shade of blue with a slight gray undertone. It belongs to the blue color family and is known for its cool and calming effect.

Complementary Color: Goldenrod (#DAA520)

Analogous Colors: Cornflower Blue (#6495ED) and Medium Purple (#9370DB)

Triadic Colors: Medium Aquamarine (#66CDAA) and Orange Red (#FF4500)

Hex Code: #6A5ACD

RGB Value: 106, 90, 205

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Ranking factors for difficult color

Color contrast

How well the color stands out against its surroundings or background. Lower contrast between colors makes it harder to differentiate between them.
Environmental factors

The presence of natural or artificial light sources, as well as the presence of shadows or glare, can impact how easily a color can be seen.
Viewing distance and size

The distance from which the color is being observed and the size of the colored object can affect its visibility.
Individual differences in color perception

Factors such as age, genetics, and cultural background can influence an individual's perception of colors. Additionally, certain color vision deficiencies, such as color blindness, can significantly impact the ability to see specific colors.
Color context

The way a color is perceived can change based on the other colors surrounding it. For example, a color may be more difficult to see when placed next to a similar or complementary color.
Color saturation and brightness

Saturated and bright colors tend to be more noticeable than desaturated or dim colors.
Optical illusions

The human visual system can sometimes be fooled by the interaction between colors, causing some colors to be perceived as more difficult to see in specific contexts.
Screen vs print

Colors can be perceived differently when viewed on a screen compared to being printed on a physical surface. Factors such as screen resolution, brightness, and color calibration can impact color visibility.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult color to see. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or color is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3324 views
191 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each color once every 24 hours. The rank of each color is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult color to see

Color perception is a fascinating subject that has been studied by scientists and artists alike. While we often take for granted the ability to distinguish colors, there are certain hues that can be particularly challenging to see. One such color is known as "Vantablack," which is considered the darkest shade of black ever created. It is so dark that it absorbs 99.965% of all visible light, making it almost impossible to see any details or textures on its surface. Another color that can be difficult to see is "Magenta," which is actually not a color that exists on the visible light spectrum. Instead, our brains create the illusion of magenta by combining red and blue light signals. This means that our eyes and brain have to work together to create a color that doesn't actually exist in nature. Overall, the perception of color can be a complex and fascinating topic, and exploring the nuances of different hues can lead to a deeper understanding of how we experience the world around us.