Cone Vision & Colour Mixing

S, M, L cone spectral sensitivities — idealised Gaussian curves peaking at 437, 533 & 564 nm. Click the spectrum to set wavelengths.

Single wavelength — cone excitations
550 nm
S-CONE (420–500 nm)
0.00
M-CONE (500–600 nm)
0.00
L-CONE (550–700 nm)
0.00
S (short)
M (medium)
L (long)
Wavelength mixing — metamers & non-spectral hues
Light 1
450 nm
100%
Light 2
620 nm
100%
Mixed result
PERCEIVED HUE
Approximate perceived colour from cone responses
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Select two wavelengths above to see how their mixture activates each cone type and whether they form a metamer or a non-spectral hue.

CONE RESPONSE COMPARISON