Royal Purple vs Ultramarine Blue

How close are they?

ΔE 32.0, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Ultramarine Blue is a little darker, much more muted, cooler than Royal Purple.

Can I use Ultramarine Blue instead of Royal Purple?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 32). Ultramarine Blue is a little darker, much more muted, cooler than Royal Purple.

Can I use Royal Purple instead of Ultramarine Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Royal Purple is a little lighter, much more saturated, warmer.

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.