Hue vs. Saturation — What's the Difference?
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=40)
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 4, 2023
Hue refers to the dominant color perceived, the base of a color, represented as an angle. Saturation defines the brilliance and intensity of a color, how far it is from neutral.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/images/hue-vs-saturation-35013.webp)
Difference Between Hue and Saturation
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The interaction between Hue and Saturation is crucial for achieving the desired visual effects in design and art. A hue can be visually modified by altering its saturation level. For example, increasing the saturation of a hue will make the color appear more vibrant and decreasing it will make the color appear more muted.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Hue and Saturation are integral components in the representation and perception of color in design and photography. Hue essentially refers to the color itself, the quality that defines and distinguishes one color from another. It is what people generally mean when they refer to "color," indicating whether something is red, blue, green, etc.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Saturation, on the other hand, refers to the intensity or purity of a color. It represents how much of a hue is present in a color and is devoid of white, black, or gray. A fully saturated color is pure, meaning it contains no white, black, or gray, and desaturated colors are closer to gray, appearing more washed out.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Understanding the concepts of Hue and Saturation is crucial for anyone working with color, whether it be in design, photography, or art. Mastery of these elements allows for the creation of visually stunning and harmonious color schemes, enabling the conveyance of desired moods, tones, and atmospheres effectively.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
The basic attribute of a color, determining the color itself.
The intensity or purity of a color.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Represents
Color family or spectrum such as red, blue, yellow, etc.
Degree to which the hue is undiluted by white light.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Visual Effect
Determines the type of color seen.
Determines the vibrancy or dullness of a color.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Measurement
Represented as an angle (0° to 360°) on the color wheel.
Represented as a percentage from 0% (gray) to 100% (full color).
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Adjustment Result
Changes the base color.
Alters the intensity or vibrancy of the color.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Definitions
Hue
A term representing the base attribute of a color, indicating which color family it belongs to.
The hue of a ripe tomato is red.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Saturation
Refers to the intensity or vividness of a color.
Increasing the saturation makes the color look more vibrant.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Hue
The specific color observed in the color spectrum, such as red, blue, or yellow.
The flowers had a vibrant blue hue.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Saturation
The extent to which a hue appears rich or pale in a visual element.
The saturation of the image was adjusted to make it appear more lively.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Hue
A color’s position on the color wheel or spectrum, measured in degrees.
A hue of 0° is red on the color wheel.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Saturation
A measurement of color vibrancy or how far a color is from its neutral gray.
Lowering the saturation will make the colors appear more muted.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Hue
The quality by which we distinguish one color from another, associated with the dominant wavelength of light.
The hue of the sky changes as the sun sets.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Saturation
A term describing the purity of a color, with higher values indicating less dilution by light.
The saturation of the paint determined how bright the wall color appeared.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Hue
Represents the pure spectrum of colors in the color wheel without the addition of white or black.
Artists often start with primary hues to create a palette.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Hue
In color theory, hue is one of the main properties (called color appearance parameters) of a color, defined technically in the CIECAM02 model as "the degree to which a stimulus can be described as similar to or different from stimuli that are described as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple," which in certain theories of color vision are called unique hues. Hue can typically be represented quantitatively by a single number, often corresponding to an angular position around a central or neutral point or axis on a color space coordinate diagram (such as a chromaticity diagram) or color wheel, or by its dominant wavelength or that of its complementary color.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Hue
The property of colors by which they can be perceived as ranging from red through yellow, green, blue, and violet, as determined by the dominant wavelengths of the light being reflected, transmitted, or emitted. See Table at color.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
(Physics) A state of a ferromagnetic substance in which an increase in applied magnetic field strength does not produce an increase in magnetization.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
(Chemistry) The state of a compound or solution that is fully saturated.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
(Meteorology) A condition in which air at a specific temperature contains all the water vapor it can hold; 100 percent relative humidity.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
Vividness of hue; degree of difference from a gray of the same lightness or brightness. Also called intensity. See Table at color.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Hue
The characteristic related to the light frequency that appears in the color, for instance red, yellow, green, cyan, blue or magenta.
In digital arts, HSV color uses hue together with saturation and value.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
Intensive shelling or bombing of a military target to achieve total destruction.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
The flooding of a market with all of a commodity that consumers can purchase.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
(physics) The condition in which, after a sufficient increase in a causal force, no further increase in the resultant effect is possible; e.g. the state of a ferromagnetic material that cannot be further magnetized
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Hue
A predominant shade in a composition of primary colors; a primary color modified by combination with others.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
(chemistry) The state of an organic compound that has no double or triple bonds
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
(meteorology) The state of the atmosphere when it is saturated with water vapour; 100% humidity
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Hue
Take on color or become colored;
In highlights it hued to a dull silver-grey
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
Intense bombing of a military target with the aim of destroying it
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
(music) An effect on the sound of an electric guitar, used primarily in heavy metal music
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
(telecommunications) The condition at which a component of the system has reached its maximum traffic-handling capacity, i.e. one erlang per circuit.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
(telecommunications) The point at which the output of a linear device, such as a linear amplifier, deviates significantly from being a linear function of the input when the input signal is increased.
Modulation often requires that amplifiers operate below saturation.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
The act of saturating, or the state of being saturating; complete penetration or impregnation.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
The act, process, or result of saturating a substance, or of combining it to its fullest extent.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
Freedom from mixture or dilution with white; purity; - said of colors.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
The process of totally saturating something with a substance;
The impregnation of wood with preservative
The saturation of cotton with ether
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
A condition in which a quantity no longer responds to some external influence
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
Chromatic purity: freedom from dilution with white and hence vividness of hue
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 13, 2022
Saturation
Represents the degree to which a color is undiluted by white light.
High saturation levels mean the color is closer to its pure form.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
FAQs
What does hue mean in terms of color?
Hue refers to the dominant color perceived, the basic attribute of a color.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
How is saturation different from hue?
Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color, while hue refers to the color itself.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is hue the same as color?
Essentially yes, hue is the quality by which we distinguish colors, it's the color itself.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can saturation affect the mood conveyed by a color?
Absolutely, higher saturation can convey energy and vibrancy, while lower saturation can convey subtlety and calmness.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can adjusting the hue alter the perceived color?
Yes, adjusting the hue will change the perceived base color.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Does increasing saturation make a color brighter?
Yes, increasing saturation makes the color appear more vibrant and intense.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
How is saturation represented in digital media?
Saturation is usually represented as a percentage, ranging from 0% (gray) to 100% (fully saturated color).
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is it possible to have high saturation in a dark color?
Yes, a color can be dark but also highly saturated, meaning it is a pure, intense version of the hue.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can hue be measured?
Yes, hue is often measured as an angle on the color wheel, ranging from 0° to 360°.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Author Spotlight
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=64)
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.