Equine Color Calculator — Advanced
Select genotypes and modifiers to predict likely coat phenotype. For best results use genetic test results where available.
Understanding horse coat color genetics can be challenging, especially with so many genes, modifiers, and dilution factors that shape a horse’s final appearance. Our Advanced Equine Color Calculator is designed to make the process easy, accurate, and educational. Whether you’re a breeder, horse enthusiast, or equine genetics learner, this tool helps you visualize possible coat outcomes based on genetic inputs such as Extension (E/e), Agouti (A/a), Cream, Silver, Dun, Roan, Gray, and a range of white-patterning genes.
This guide explains how the calculator works, what each gene means, and how to interpret your results.
What Is an Equine Color Calculator?
An equine color calculator is a genetic prediction tool that uses your selected alleles (gene variations) to estimate a horse’s potential coat color. By choosing the known or expected genotypes of the parents—or of a single tested horse—you can instantly view the likely phenotype (visible color), dilution effects, and pattern overlays.
Our calculator goes beyond basic predictions by:
- Combining base coat genetics with multiple dilution genes
- Applying white patterning overlays
- Generating a visual color swatch for clarity
- Providing detailed phenotype descriptions
- Offering JSON export and PNG color card download
How the Calculator Works
Horse coat color originates from two primary pigment-controlling genes:
1. Extension (MC1R)
- EE / Ee → Horse can produce black pigment
- ee → No black pigment; results in chestnut-based colors
2. Agouti (ASIP)
- AA / Aa → Restricts black pigment to points, producing bay-based colors
- aa → No restriction; results in solid black-based colors
Once the base coat is determined, the tool applies modifiers such as:
Cream Dilution
- 1 copy → Palomino, Buckskin, Smoky Black
- 2 copies → Cremello, Perlino, Smoky Cream
Silver Mutation
Lightens black pigment, often producing “silver dapple” tones.
Dun Gene
Creates classic dun characteristics:
- Dorsal stripe
- Leg striping
- Lightened body tone
Roan Gene
Adds white hairs blended throughout the body.
Gray Gene
Creates progressive whitening over time, regardless of base color.
White Pattern Genes
- Tobiano
- Overo
- Sabino
These determine how and where visible white patches appear.
Common Color Outcomes You Can Generate
With the genetic combinations available, your horse’s predicted color might fall into categories like:
Chestnut Family
- Chestnut
- Palomino
- Cremello
Bay Family
- Bay
- Buckskin
- Perlino
- Dun variations
- Bay Roan
Black Family
- Black
- Smoky Black
- Smoky Cream
- Grulla/Grullo (when Dun applies)
- Blue Roan
Diluted & Modified Colors
- Silver Dapple
- Dunskin
- Red Dun
- Classic Champagne-like effects (when similar genes present)
- Various tobiano/overo/sabino combinations
The summary you receive includes the predicted phenotype name, color swatch, detailed notes, and all genetic factors used in the calculation.
Why Use an Equine Color Calculator?
✔ Accurate Educational Tool
Perfect for breeders, students of equine science, and horse owners wanting to understand color genetics.
✔ Predict Foal Colors
Input sire and dam genetic results to visualize likely foal color outcomes.
✔ Supports Modern Genetic Testing
Most labs test MC1R, ASIP, Cream, Silver, Dun, Roan & Gray genes—our calculator matches these modern standards.
✔ Fast, Visual & User Friendly
The color swatch and phenotype summary make even advanced genetic interactions simple to understand.
How to Use the Calculator (Step-by-Step)
- Select the Extension (E/e) genotype.
- Choose the Agouti (A/a) genotype.
- Add Cream copies, Silver, Dun, Roan, and Gray genes.
- Toggle white patterning: Tobiano, Overo, Sabino.
- Adjust “Max White” for higher expression.
- Click Calculate to generate the horse’s predicted coat color.
- (Optional) Export the results using Copy JSON or Export PNG.
Final Thoughts
Understanding horse coat color genetics doesn’t need to be complicated. With the Advanced Equine Color Calculator, you can explore the full spectrum of equine colors—from classic bays and chestnuts to complex dilutions and white patterns. This tool gives breeders and horse lovers a practical, visual, and educational way to decode the science behind coat color.