Color Contrast Checker
Check color contrast for accessibility
Free online color contrast checker tool. Test color combinations for WCAG accessibility compliance. Check contrast ratios for text readability. Ensure your designs are accessible to all users. Perfect for web designers and developers. No installation required.
How to check color contrast?
Checking color contrast for accessibility is easy:
- Select your foreground color (text color) using the color picker or enter a hex code.
- Select your background color using the color picker or enter a hex code.
- Choose the text size: Normal text (16px+) or Large text (18px+ or 14px+ bold).
- The tool automatically calculates the contrast ratio and shows WCAG compliance status.
- See if your color combination meets AA or AAA accessibility standards.
- Get suggestions for better color combinations if needed.
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What is color contrast?
Color contrast is the difference in brightness and color between text (foreground) and its background. Sufficient contrast ensures that text is readable for all users, including those with visual impairments, color blindness, or when viewing content in various lighting conditions.
Why is color contrast important?
- Accessibility: Ensures content is readable for users with visual impairments, including color blindness.
- Legal compliance: Many countries require websites to meet accessibility standards (WCAG).
- User experience: Better contrast improves readability for all users, not just those with disabilities.
- SEO benefits: Search engines favor accessible websites.
- Broader audience: Accessible designs reach more users and reduce bounce rates.
- Professional standards: Meeting accessibility standards demonstrates professionalism and care for users.
WCAG contrast requirements
- AA Standard (Normal text): Minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for regular text (16px and above).
- AA Standard (Large text): Minimum contrast ratio of 3:1 for large text (18px+ or 14px+ bold).
- AAA Standard (Normal text): Enhanced contrast ratio of 7:1 for regular text.
- AAA Standard (Large text): Enhanced contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for large text.
- Non-text elements: UI components and graphical objects need 3:1 contrast ratio.
Common contrast issues and solutions
- Light gray text on white: Increase text darkness or darken background.
- Yellow text on white: Use darker yellow or add dark background.
- White text on light backgrounds: Darken background or use dark text.
- Pastel colors: Ensure sufficient contrast by testing combinations.
- Gradient backgrounds: Test contrast at multiple points of the gradient.
- Image backgrounds: Ensure text areas have sufficient contrast or use overlays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is WCAG?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are international standards for web accessibility developed by the W3C. They provide guidelines for making web content accessible to people with disabilities.
What contrast ratio do I need?
For normal text (16px+), you need at least 4.5:1 for AA compliance or 7:1 for AAA. For large text (18px+ or 14px+ bold), you need at least 3:1 for AA or 4.5:1 for AAA.
What's the difference between AA and AAA?
AA is the minimum standard for accessibility compliance. AAA is the enhanced standard providing better contrast for users with more severe visual impairments. Most websites aim for AA compliance.
Can I use any color combination if it passes?
While meeting contrast ratios is important, also consider other factors like color blindness (avoid red-green combinations), readability in different lighting, and overall design aesthetics.
What if my colors don't meet the requirements?
The tool provides suggestions for adjusting colors. You can darken text, lighten backgrounds, or choose alternative color combinations that meet accessibility standards.
Do I need to check contrast for all text?
Yes, you should check contrast for all text that users need to read, including headings, body text, links, buttons, and form labels. Decorative text that doesn't convey information may be exempt.