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Color Contrast Checker

Check color contrast ratios for web accessibility compliance. Test text and background color combinations against WCAG guidelines with real-time preview, accessibility ratings, and improvement suggestions.

Color Contrast Checker

Create accessible color combinations with confidence

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#f0f4f8

Preview

Normal Text

This is an example of normal body text that would appear on your website or application.

Large Text

This is an example of large text (18pt or 14pt bold).

"Good design is accessible design. Contrast is essential for readability."

Contrast Ratio

19.00:1

0

SCORE

Normal Text

AAA

Large Text

AAA

WCAG 2.1 Guidelines: AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text. AAA requires 7:1 for normal text, 4.5:1 for large text.

Tips & Suggestions

  • ✦Maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text.
  • ✦Use 3:1 or higher for large text (18pt or 14pt bold).
  • ✦Consider using darker text on lighter backgrounds or vice versa.
  • ✦For full WCAG AAA compliance, aim for a ratio of 7:1.
  • ✦Adjust brightness or saturation slightly to improve contrast.

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How to Check Color Contrast

1

Select Text Color

Click the first color picker to choose your text color, or enter a hex code directly.

2

Choose Background Color

Use the second color picker to select your background color for the contrast test.

3

Review Contrast Results

Check the calculated contrast ratio and see AA/AAA ratings for normal and large text.

4

Preview Your Design

View the live preview to see how your color combination looks with actual text content.

Key Features

Real-Time Contrast Testing

Instantly calculate contrast ratios as you select different text and background color combinations.

WCAG Compliance Ratings

Get AA and AAA ratings for both normal and large text according to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

Live Preview Panel

See exactly how your color combinations will look with sample text in both normal and large sizes.

Visual Score Indicator

View your contrast performance with an intuitive circular chart showing scores from 0-100.

Interactive Color Pickers

Choose colors easily with built-in color picker tools for both text and background colors.

Accessibility Tips

Get practical suggestions for improving contrast and meeting accessibility standards.

What is a Color Contrast Checker?

A color contrast checker is a tool that measures the difference in luminance between text and background colors. It calculates contrast ratios according to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards to ensure content is readable for users with visual impairments, including color blindness and low vision.

Why Use Our Color Contrast Checker?

1

WCAG Compliance

Ensure your designs meet international accessibility standards with accurate AA and AAA ratings.

2

Real-Time Feedback

See instant results as you adjust colors, making it easy to find compliant combinations.

3

Visual Score System

Understand contrast performance at a glance with our intuitive 0-100 scoring system.

4

No Installation Required

Test color combinations instantly in your browser without downloading any software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good contrast ratio?

For normal text, aim for at least 4.5:1 for AA compliance or 7:1 for AAA. Large text (18pt or 14pt bold) needs 3:1 for AA or 4.5:1 for AAA compliance.

What do AA and AAA ratings mean?

AA is the standard level of accessibility compliance required by most regulations. AAA is the highest level, providing enhanced accessibility for users with more severe visual impairments.

How is contrast ratio calculated?

Contrast ratio is calculated using the relative luminance of colors as defined by WCAG guidelines. It ranges from 1:1 (no contrast) to 21:1 (maximum contrast).

What counts as large text?

Large text is defined as 18 point (24px) or larger, or 14 point (18.66px) or larger if bold. Large text has more lenient contrast requirements.

Why is color contrast important?

Good color contrast ensures content is readable for everyone, including users with visual impairments, color blindness, or those viewing content in bright sunlight or on poor displays.

Can I use this for any color format?

The tool accepts hex color codes. You can convert from other formats (RGB, HSL, etc.) to hex using online converters or design tools.