Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test

Evaluate your ability to perceive and arrange colors by hue. This test measures color discrimination, not just color blindness.

Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test

This test evaluates your ability to distinguish subtle differences in color hues. Arrange the colored chips in order from one fixed color to another.

•Each tray has fixed colors at both ends
•Drag and drop (or click to select, then click to swap) the middle chips to arrange them in hue order
•Complete all 4 trays to see your score

How to Take the Test

1. Arrange Colors

Drag and drop (or click to swap) the color chips to form a smooth gradient between the two fixed endpoints.

2. Complete All Trays

Work through all 4 color trays covering the full spectrum: red-yellow, yellow-green, green-blue, and blue-purple.

3. View Results

Get your Total Error Score with a polar chart showing exactly where on the spectrum your hue discrimination is strongest or weakest.

What is the Farnsworth-Munsell Test?

Developed by Dean Farnsworth in the 1940s, this test evaluates how precisely you can discriminate between closely spaced hues. Unlike pass/fail tests such as the Ishihara plates, it produces a continuous score — revealing not just whether you have a deficiency, but exactly how fine-grained your color perception is across the entire visible spectrum.

The original clinical version uses 85 color caps arranged in four trays spanning the Munsell color circle. Our online adaptation uses 40 carefully selected colors (10 per tray) while preserving the same scoring methodology, making it accessible for quick screening on any device.

Who Uses This Test?

•Graphic designers

•Photographers

•Quality inspectors

•Textile workers

•Ophthalmologists

•Paint specialists

Understanding Your Score

The test calculates a Total Error Score (TES) by measuring how far each chip deviates from its correct position. A perfectly arranged tray scores zero; each misplacement adds to your total. Lower scores indicate finer color discrimination.

0–4

Superior Color Vision

Top 16% of the population. Near-perfect hue discrimination across all regions of the spectrum.

5–16

Above Average

Strong color discrimination with only minor inconsistencies. Well within normal range.

17–100

Normal Range

About 68% of people fall here. Adequate color perception for most daily activities, though subtle hue differences may be missed.

100+

Possible Deficiency

May indicate a congenital or acquired color vision deficit. The polar chart in your results will show which hue region is affected — useful for identifying the axis of confusion.

The polar chart in your results plots error magnitude around the color circle. Concentrated spikes in one region suggest a specific deficiency axis (e.g., red-green or blue-yellow), while scattered errors typically indicate general chromatic noise rather than a clinical condition.

Sources

National Eye Institute (NEI) — Overview of color vision deficiency types and diagnosis methods
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) — Clinical color vision testing and the role of hue discrimination tests
Kinnear & Sahraie (2002) — PubMed — Research on age-related changes in Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test performance
Colour Blind Awareness — Comparison of color vision tests including the FM 100 Hue Test
National Health Service (NHS) — Guidance on colour vision deficiency testing and management

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ishihara test is a pass/fail screening for red-green deficiency using pseudoisochromatic plates. The FM 100 Hue test measures the precision of your hue discrimination across the full spectrum, producing a continuous score rather than a binary result. It can detect subtler deficits and acquired conditions.

The full 85-cap clinical test requires physical pigmented samples under controlled lighting. Our 40-color adaptation preserves the four-tray structure and scoring method while being practical for screen-based assessment.

Yes. Research shows peak performance occurs around age 19, with scores forming a U-shaped curve. Both younger children and older adults tend to score higher (worse). Blue-yellow discrimination declines more noticeably after age 40.

Yes. The test supports both drag-and-drop and tap-to-swap interactions. On touch devices, tap one chip to select it, then tap another to swap their positions. For best results, use a tablet or desktop with an accurately calibrated display.

The circular diagram maps your error score for each chip around the Munsell color circle. Spikes radiating outward indicate regions where you misplaced chips. A cluster of errors in one zone suggests reduced discrimination in that specific hue region.

First retests often show improvement due to familiarity with the task, but subsequent attempts yield stable scores. If you scored poorly, ensure your screen brightness and ambient lighting are appropriate before retesting.