A method, combination or apparatus for compensating for or predicting the shift in the human perception of color which occurs when the color is seen on a small surface area as compared with when it is seen extending over of large surface area. The compensation or prediction is performed by increasing (compensation) or decreasing (prediction) the lightness and chroma of the color in a specified way. The invention allows choosers of color to take account of the shifts when making their choice of colors and is useful in choosing colors for paints, plastics, textiles or illuminated surfaces.