Color Contrast Checker
Check if your color combinations meet WCAG accessibility standards.
Ensure your designs are readable for everyone.
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Color Contrast Checker FAQs
Common questions about color contrast and WCAG accessibility
What is WCAG?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the international standard for web accessibility, published by the W3C. It defines how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities, including guidelines for color contrast ratios.
What contrast ratio do I need?
For WCAG AA compliance (the most common requirement): 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18px+ or 14px+ bold). For WCAG AAA (enhanced): 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text.
What is considered "large text" in WCAG?
Large text is defined as 18px (14pt) or larger for regular weight, or 14px (11pt) or larger for bold text. Large text has more relaxed contrast requirements because its larger size makes it inherently easier to read.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no limits. The contrast calculation runs entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
Do I need to meet WCAG AAA?
WCAG AA is the standard requirement for most legal and organizational accessibility policies. AAA is the gold standard but is not required in most cases. However, for critical content like body text, aiming for AAA ensures the best readability.
Why does my design fail the contrast check?
Common issues include: light gray text on white backgrounds, colored text on similarly-colored backgrounds, or text overlaid on images without a solid background. The fix is usually to darken the text or lighten/darken the background.
Does contrast apply to non-text elements?
Yes. WCAG 2.1 requires a minimum 3:1 contrast ratio for UI components (buttons, form inputs, icons) and graphical objects that convey information. This is separate from the text contrast requirements.
How is the contrast ratio calculated?
The contrast ratio is calculated using the relative luminance of the two colors. The formula is (L1 + 0.05) / (L2 + 0.05), where L1 is the lighter color's luminance and L2 is the darker color's luminance. The maximum ratio is 21:1 (black on white).
Can I check contrast for color-blind users?
This tool checks luminance contrast, which is the primary accessibility metric. While it doesn't simulate color blindness specifically, sufficient luminance contrast ensures readability regardless of color vision deficiency type.
What are some accessible color combinations?
Safe combinations include: dark text (#333 or darker) on white/light backgrounds, white text on dark backgrounds (#333 or darker). Avoid: light gray on white, yellow on white, light blue on white, or any low-contrast pastel combinations.
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