The main purpose of the work described in this paper was to determine if there is any significant difference in the measured colour of reactive dyes on the various woven fabrics used in the textile printing process. Hence, this paper discusses the outcome of experimental work to quantify the colour of reactive dyes on woven fabrics. This involved the application of a spectrophotometer to carry out the measurement of colour in accordance with the experimental procedures outlined by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), and the calculations to convert the results into several colour spaces according to the International Standard Organisation (ISO)/CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) standards. © 2009 IEEE.