Purple vs Magenta

How close are they?

ΔE 11.8, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Magenta is more muted, warmer than Purple.

Can I use Magenta instead of Purple?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 12). Magenta is more muted, warmer than Purple.

Can I use Purple instead of Magenta?

The same difference applies the other way round: Purple is more saturated, cooler.

ΔE is the colour difference between our two swatch estimates: under about 6 is close, over about 15 is loose. Real paints also differ in finish, coverage and how they thin, so test before you commit.