An image reading device and an image forming apparatus. The image reading device includes an image reader to read an image of a document, and a color reference component arranged to face the image reader. In the image reading device, the image reader reads the color reference component at a prescribed timing to obtain color reference image data, and correction data generating processes are executed based on the obtained color reference image data to generate correction data used to correct data of the image read by the image reader. In the image reading device, wherein the color reference component is moved relative to the image reader in a direction orthogonal to a direction toward and away from the image reader. The image forming apparatus includes the image reading device, and an image is formed on a recording material based on data of the image read by the image reading device.