Color Contrast Checker
Check if your color combinations meet WCAG accessibility standards (AA & AAA)
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA
About WCAG Color Contrast
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define minimum contrast ratios to ensure text is readable for people with visual impairments. Our free contrast checker helps you verify your color combinations meet these standards.
WCAG Contrast Requirements
- AA Normal Text: Minimum 4.5:1 ratio for text smaller than 18pt (or 14pt bold)
- AA Large Text: Minimum 3:1 ratio for text 18pt+ (or 14pt+ bold)
- AAA Normal Text: Minimum 7:1 ratio (enhanced contrast)
- AAA Large Text: Minimum 4.5:1 ratio (enhanced contrast)
Why Contrast Matters
Approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women have some form of color vision deficiency. Low contrast text is also difficult to read in bright sunlight or on low-quality displays. Meeting WCAG standards ensures your content is accessible to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good contrast ratio?
For most body text, aim for at least 4.5:1 (WCAG AA). For the best accessibility, target 7:1 or higher (WCAG AAA). Headlines and large text can use 3:1 minimum.
What counts as "large text"?
WCAG defines large text as 18pt (24px) or larger, or 14pt (18.66px) if bold. Large text has lower contrast requirements because it's easier to read.
How is contrast ratio calculated?
Contrast ratio compares the relative luminance of two colors. The formula produces a ratio between 1:1 (no contrast) and 21:1 (maximum contrast, black on white).