Color Contrast Checker

Client-Side New

Verify that your color combinations meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards. Enter foreground and background colors in any format and instantly see the contrast ratio with AA and AAA compliance results for normal and large text. Essential for designers and developers building accessible websites and applications. All processing happens client-side in your browser.

Contrast Ratio

17.06:1

Large Text Preview (24px)

Normal text preview. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

Small text preview — check readability at different sizes.

WCAG Compliance

AA Normal Text

Requires 4.5:1

PASS

AA Large Text

Requires 3:1

PASS

AAA Normal Text

Requires 7:1

PASS

AAA Large Text

Requires 4.5:1

PASS

How to Use

  1. 1

    Enter Foreground Color

    Pick or type the text color in HEX, RGB, or HSL format.

  2. 2

    Enter Background Color

    Pick or type the background color to check contrast against.

  3. 3

    Check Results

    See the contrast ratio and WCAG AA/AAA pass or fail status for normal and large text.

Examples by Niche

Dark Theme

#FFFFFF on #1E293B → 13.57:1 — passes AA and AAA for all text sizes

Subtle Text

#94A3B8 on #0F172A → 5.82:1 — passes AA but fails AAA for normal text

Low Contrast

#6B7280 on #9CA3AF → 1.87:1 — fails all WCAG levels

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WCAG contrast ratio?

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) defines minimum contrast ratios between text and background colors. AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. AAA requires 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text.

What contrast ratio should I aim for?

For most websites, WCAG AA compliance (4.5:1 for body text) is the recommended minimum. If you are building for government or healthcare, aim for AAA (7:1).

Can I enter colors in different formats?

Yes, you can enter colors as HEX (#FF5733), RGB (rgb(255, 87, 51)), HSL (hsl(11, 100%, 60%)), or named CSS colors (red, blue, etc.).

What is the difference between WCAG AA and AAA compliance?

WCAG AA requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18px+ bold or 24px+ regular). AAA is stricter, requiring 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text. AA is the standard most websites aim for, while AAA provides enhanced readability for users with low vision.

What is color contrast?

The difference in luminance between text and background colors affecting readability.

What is WCAG?

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines define contrast ratios: 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text.

What contrast ratio is accessible?

AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text. AAA requires 7:1 and 4.5:1.

How to check contrast?

Use a contrast checker tool. Enter foreground and background colors to get the ratio and pass/fail status.

What is a good color contrast ratio?

7:1 or higher is best for readability. Below 3:1 is difficult for most users to read.

Does contrast matter for large text?

Yes, but the requirement is lower (3:1 for AA) since bold 14pt+ text is easier to read.

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