Color Contrast Checker
Check WCAG accessibility contrast compliance for text and background colors
Color Selection
Sample Text
This is how your text will look at 18px
Small text at 14px for comparison
WCAG Compliance
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What is Color Contrast and Why Does It Matter?
Color contrast is the difference in luminance between foreground (text) and background colors. Good contrast ensures that content is readable for everyone, including people with visual impairments, color blindness, or those viewing screens in bright sunlight.
This free color contrast checker helps designers and developers verify that their color combinations meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards. Simply pick your colors and instantly see if they pass AA or AAA compliance levels.
Understanding WCAG Contrast Requirements
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) defines minimum contrast ratios to ensure text readability:
| Level | Normal Text | Large Text | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA | 4.5:1 | 3:1 | Minimum for most websites |
| AAA | 7:1 | 4.5:1 | Enhanced accessibility |
Large text is defined as 18pt (24px) or larger, or 14pt (18.67px) bold. Everything smaller is considered "normal" text and requires higher contrast.
How Is Contrast Ratio Calculated?
Contrast ratio is calculated using the relative luminance of the two colors:
Contrast Ratio = (L1 + 0.05) / (L2 + 0.05) Where L1 is the lighter color's luminance and L2 is the darker color's luminance
The ratio ranges from 1:1 (no contrast, same color) to 21:1 (maximum contrast, black on white). Higher ratios mean better readability.
Tips for Better Color Accessibility
🎨 Don't Rely on Color Alone
Use icons, patterns, or text labels alongside color to convey meaning for colorblind users.
📏 Test at Multiple Sizes
Contrast that works for headings may not work for body text. Test all text sizes.
🌓 Consider Dark Mode
Test contrast in both light and dark themes—what works in one may fail in the other.
Balance Aesthetics and Access
Aim for AA minimum, AAA for critical content. Form fields and buttons need extra attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always aim for AAA compliance?
AAA is ideal but not always practical. WCAG recommends AA as the baseline for most web content. AAA is encouraged for important text like legal content or key instructions.
Do these rules apply to images with text?
Yes! Text in images, logos, buttons, and banners should also meet contrast requirements. Consider providing alt text for decorative text images.
Is there a legal requirement for accessibility?
Many countries have accessibility laws (ADA in the US, EAA in the EU) that reference WCAG. Non-compliance can result in lawsuits and penalties for public and commercial websites.