Objectives : VITA 3D-Master shade guide (3D) is frequently used for the determination of tooth colors because of its good matching performance but numerous composites/ceramics are only available in VITA Classical shades (VC). The aim of this study was to investigate if it is possible to convert chosen 3D into VC shades (indirect method) without making a clinical meaningful inferior shade match in comparison to a direct shade match with VC. Methods: All experiments were performed in an artificial, computer generated tooth color gamut. Converting tables were generated by calculating color difference (DE) between a 3D and the closest VC shade and with the aid of optimization procedures. Statistical differences between the direct method and the indirect methods as well as between the indirect methods were assessed using U-Test. Results: A median ΔE of 2.38 was observed for the direct match with VC and of 2.86 for the indirect method using the simple converting table (p<0.01). The optimized converting tables performed slightly better (median ΔE of 2.81). Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, in most cases it is possible to determine tooth colors with 3D and convert them via converting table in a VC shade without adding a clinical meaningful error to the direct shade match with VC.