A method of calibrating an area coverage representation of a color. A first area coverage of a Neugebauer primary in an area coverage representation of a color is determined based on a plurality of reference area coverage parameters for the Neugebauer primary, wherein each reference area coverage parameter in the plurality of reference area coverage parameters corresponds to a respective colorant deposition subsystem in a plurality of colorant deposition subsystems. A second area coverage of the Neugebauer primary is determined based on the plurality of reference area coverage parameters and a plurality of calibration parameters for the Neugebauer primary, wherein each calibration parameter in the plurality of calibration parameters corresponds to a respective colorant deposition subsystem in the plurality of colorant deposition subsystems. A plurality of calibrated area coverage parameters are determined for the Neugebauer primary in the area coverage representation of the color based on the plurality of reference area coverage parameters, the plurality of calibration parameters and a difference in area coverage between the first area coverage and the second area coverage.