Color conversion attempt to reproduce an input CMYK combination on a print media using an output CMYK combination. In a 2-step process, ICC profiles are used for the color conversion. In some instances, a 1-step process may be used that avoids the use of the ICC profiles and provides a faster processing time. A color progression checker determines whether the 1-step process may be used for color conversions based on standard deviations of the colorants along paths within a three-dimensional look-up table for a destination ICC profile. If a certain number of standard deviations exceed 20%, then the 1-step process for color conversion may not be effective.