A color measurement instrument that is capable of both spot reading and strip reading. The instrument includes a handheld unit and a docking unit. When removed from the docking unit, the handheld unit is used for spot reading. When docked in the docking unit, the handheld unit and the docking unit are used together for strip reading. The handheld unit includes a self-storing target that is deployed for spot reading and stored for strip reading. The handheld unit also includes a self-storing calibration plaque that is deployed for calibration and stored otherwise. When docked, the handheld unit teeters on the docking unit between a normally closed position and a manually selectable open position to accommodate a variety of sample thicknesses.