This study was designed to evaluate color differences (ΔE) between intended and fabricated shades of various metal-ceramic complexes using visual and instrumental shade determination. Forty-two master disks were made to represent every tab in two shade guides. The shades of the master disks were determined visually and instrumentally. Accordingly, 84 experimental disks were fabricated. Color measurements of the master and fabricated disks were performed using a spectrophotometer. Visual shade determination showed a significantly lower ΔE value than the instrumental shade determination. However, all groups showed ΔE values exceeding 2.75, which could be considered perceivable and therefore clinically unacceptable. A reliable shade duplication of an existing metal-ceramic restoration cannot be ensured, regardless of the method of shade assessment.