Skip to main content

In a beautiful rainbow image, there is a myriad of colors. However, less than 25% of people can see all of the colors, can you?

Recently, an image and post went viral after Professor Diana Derval shared a tutorial explaining the basics of color vision. In the test, she goes in-depth to explain different color variations that people can see.

According to her, the number of colors you can see in the image is directly linked to the distribution of cones or color receptors in your eyes. To see the colors more accurately, you have to have a fourth cone. And unfortunately, only 25% of the population does.

Look at the image and count how many colors you can see. Then, look below to see where you fall.

If you saw less than 20 different colors: You are considered a dichromat, similar to a dog, you only have two cones. According to Derval, you are more likely to wear black, beige, and blue. (25% of the population)

If you saw between 20-32, you are a trichromat and have 3 types of cones. You likely enjoy many colors. (50% of the population.)

If you saw 33-39 colors, you are a tetrachromat, similar to bees, and have four types of cones. You are irritated by the color yellow. (less than 25% of the population)

If you saw 39+ colors, you have more contrast than most, which is quite rare. However, there aren’t any more than 39 colors in the image. She goes on to explain that you likely have an additional 4th cone.

I thought this was pretty interesting, and I saw all 39, which surprised me! How many can you see?