Fitzpatrick Scale

The Fitzpatrick Scale (aka Fitzpatrick skin typing test or Fitzpatrick phototyping scale) is a numerical classification schema for the color of skin. It was developed in 1975 by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, a Harvard dermatologist, as a way to classify the response of different types of skin to UV light. It remains a recognized tool for dermatologic research into the color of skin.

The Fitzpatrick Scale:

Type I (scores 0-7) White; very fair; freckles; typical albino skin.
Always burns, never tans

Type II (scores 8-16) White; fair.
Usually burns, tans with difficulty

Type III (scores 17-25) Beige; very common.
Sometimes mild burn, gradually tans to a light brown

Type IV (scores 25-30) Beige with a brown tint; typical Mediterranean Caucasian skin.
Rarely burns, tans with ease to a moderate brown.

Type V (scores over 30) Dark brown.
Very rarely burns, tans very easily

Type VI Black.
Never burns, tans very easily, deeply pigmented.