How many colors can you see?

25% of people have a 4th cone and can see colors as they are

Due to the interest provoked by the color of the dress (blue and black or white and gold) and the way we see, here are some fascinating discoveries about vision:

The nuances of colors that we see depend on the number and distribution of cones (=color receptors) in our eye. Can you get to the rainbow (or in the image below) – how many shades of color can you count?

If you see less than 20 colors: you are a dichromat, like dogs, which means you only have 2 types of cones. You probably like to wear black, beige and blue clothes. 25% of the population is dichromat.

If you see between 20 and 32 colors: you are a trichromat, as you have 3 types of cones (you see a purple/blue, green and red part). You see different colors and you can enjoy them. 50% of the population is a trichromat.

If you see between 33 and 39 colors: you are a quadrichromat, like bees, and you have 4 types of cones (you see purple/blue, green, red plus the yellow area). You get annoyed with yellow, then this color will not be anywhere in your wardrobe. 25% of the population is quadrichromatic.

If you see more than 39 colors: let’s face it! You are making it up! There are only 39 different colors in the test and probably only 35 are properly shown on your screen 🙂

It is likely that people who have the additional cone will not end up being confused by the blue/black or white/gold difference as the dress, no matter what background it is placed against.

Original text: Prof. Diana Derval

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