Check Color Contrast

Color contrast checking ensures text readability and accessibility compliance. Our free WCAG contrast checker calculates contrast ratios between text and background colors, ensuring your designs meet accessibility standards for all users including those with visual impairments.

Pro Tips for Color Contrast Success

• Aim for 4.5:1 minimum for normal text – WCAG AA standard requires 4.5:1 contrast ratio. Higher ratios improve readability for everyone.
• Use 3:1 for large text (18pt+ or 14pt+ bold) – Larger text needs less contrast but should still meet minimum standards.
• Test in actual conditions users experience – Check designs in bright sunlight, dim rooms, and on various devices for real-world verification.
• Don’t rely on color alone for meaning – Use icons, text labels, or patterns in addition to color for complete accessibility.
• Check all interactive elements – Buttons, links, and form fields need sufficient contrast for users to identify them easily.
• Consider color blindness – Test designs with color blindness simulators. Red-green combinations are particularly problematic.
• Dark mode needs contrast checking too – Light text on dark backgrounds requires the same ratio considerations as light backgrounds.
• Overlay text needs extra contrast – Text over images requires higher contrast than plain backgrounds due to image complexity.

Common Color Contrast Myths Debunked

Myth: Passing WCAG is only for accessibility-focused sites

Fact: Good contrast benefits everyone—users in bright sunlight, older adults, people with temporary vision issues, and standard users. It’s universal design, not just accessibility.

Myth: If I can read it, everyone can

Fact: Your vision, screen quality, and viewing conditions differ from users’. WCAG standards ensure readability across diverse conditions and abilities.

Myth: High contrast always looks better

Fact: While sufficient contrast is essential, extreme contrast (pure black on white) can cause eye strain. Slightly reduced contrast (dark gray on white) often reads more comfortably while meeting standards.

Myth: Accessibility guidelines stifle design creativity

Fact: Countless color combinations meet WCAG standards. Accessibility constraints encourage more thoughtful, inclusive design, not limitation.

Myth: Color contrast doesn’t affect SEO

Fact: While not a direct ranking factor, poor contrast increases bounce rates and reduces engagement—indirect SEO factors that impact rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good contrast ratio?

4.5:1 minimum for normal text (WCAG AA), 3:1 for large text, 7:1 for enhanced accessibility (WCAG AAA). Higher ratios improve readability for all users.

Do I need to check every color combination?

Check all text-background combinations used on your site, especially body text, headings, buttons, links, and any text conveying important information.

What if my brand colors don’t pass?

Adjust shade/tint to meet standards while preserving brand identity. Slight modifications often achieve compliance without compromising brand recognition.

Is contrast checking required by law?

Many countries require WCAG compliance for government, education, and public-facing websites. Even where not legally required, accessibility is ethical best practice.

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