A shadow mask for a color cathode-ray tube including a first portion on which a plurality of electron beam through holes are formed; and a second portion on which no electron beam through holes are formed, the second portion surrounding the first surface portion, wherein each of the plurality of electron beam through holes includes an electron beam exit hole, each of the electron beam exit holes of electron beam through holes formed at a periphery of the fist portion near the second portion having a first length Dh in a direction facing away from the center of the shadow mask that is greater than a second length Dv perpendicular to the direction facing away from the center of the shadow mask. Therefore, a vibration generated on the shadow mask is attenuated within an elastic range of shadow mask, and thereby the shadow mask is able to endure an external shock and a permanent distortion to the shadow mask can be prevented to ensure color purity of the color cathode-ray tube.