Color Contrast Checker
Check WCAG color contrast ratios for accessibility
Color selection
Pick foreground and background to check contrast. For example, try #0A84FF on #FFFFFF—AA passes for large text, AAA may not.
Foreground Color
Background Color
Accessibility results
See AA/AAA outcomes for normal and large text.
Overall Rating: AAA
Contrast Ratio: 21.00:1 - Excellent
WCAG AA
Normal text (4.5:1)
PASS
Large text (3:1)
PASS
WCAG AAA
Normal text (7:1)
PASS
Large text (4.5:1)
PASS
Live preview
Real text preview. This can fail if an overlay or alpha channel reduces contrast—avoid semi‑transparent layers.
Sample Heading
This is normal text (18px) that would be used for body content.
This is small text (14px) used for secondary information.
This is large text (24px bold) used for emphasis.
Popular color combinations
Quick presets to test accessible palettes.
Understanding WCAG guidelines
Short overview of levels and ratios; use AA as a baseline.
Accessibility Standards
- • WCAG AA: Minimum recommended standard for most websites
- • WCAG AAA: Enhanced standard for maximum accessibility
- • Large text: 18pt+ normal or 14pt+ bold text
- • Normal text: Regular body text smaller than large text
- • Higher contrast ratios improve readability for everyone
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A Color Contrast Checker is an essential accessibility tool that evaluates the contrast ratio between text and background colors to ensure compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. Our checker instantly calculates contrast ratios and provides clear pass/fail indicators for both AA and AAA compliance levels. The tool is crucial for web designers, developers, and content creators who need to ensure their digital products are accessible to users with visual impairments, including color blindness and low vision. It supports hex, RGB, and HSL color formats and provides real-time feedback as you adjust colors. The checker helps identify accessibility issues early in the design process, preventing costly remediation later and ensuring legal compliance with accessibility regulations like the ADA, Section 508, and international accessibility standards. Whether you're designing websites, mobile apps, or digital documents, this tool ensures your color choices provide adequate contrast for all users.
When to Use Color Contrast Checker
Use our Color Contrast Checker whenever you're selecting colors for text, buttons, links, or any interface elements that need to be readable. This tool is essential during the design phase of websites and applications, when creating brand guidelines, or when auditing existing designs for accessibility compliance. Designers use it when choosing color palettes, creating style guides, or working with clients who require accessibility compliance. Developers rely on it when implementing designs, debugging accessibility issues, or preparing for accessibility audits. It's particularly important when designing for government websites, educational institutions, healthcare systems, or any organization that must comply with accessibility regulations. The tool is also valuable when updating existing designs, rebranding projects, or when accessibility has become a priority for your organization.
How to Use Color Contrast Checker
7 stepsEnter or select the foreground color (text color) using hex, RGB, or the color picker
Enter or select the background color using the same color formats
Review the calculated contrast ratio displayed prominently
Check the WCAG AA and AAA compliance indicators for normal and large text
Adjust colors using the suggestions or color picker to improve ratios
Test different color combinations until you achieve desired compliance levels
Save or copy the compliant color values for use in your design
Privacy & Security
100% SecureYour color selections and contrast calculations are processed entirely within your web browser using client-side JavaScript technology. No color data, design information, or accessibility testing results are transmitted to our servers or stored anywhere outside your device. This ensures complete privacy and security for proprietary color schemes, brand guidelines, and design projects. The tool works offline once loaded, providing an additional layer of security for confidential design work.
Pro Tips
7 tipsAim for WCAG AA compliance as the minimum standard for most projects - it's legally sufficient and practically achievable
Use sufficient contrast for all interactive elements like buttons and links, not just body text
Test your colors in different lighting conditions and on various devices to ensure real-world usability
Consider colorblind users by avoiding color as the only way to convey important information
Create a accessible color palette early in your design process to avoid last-minute accessibility fixes
Document compliant color combinations in your style guide for consistent use across your project
Remember that larger text (18pt+ or 14pt+ bold) has more lenient contrast requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
5 Q&AQ1:What are WCAG color contrast requirements?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) requires minimum contrast ratios between text and background colors. Level AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Level AAA requires 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text. These standards ensure readability for users with visual impairments.
Q2:What's the difference between WCAG AA and AAA compliance?
WCAG AA is the standard level of compliance required by most accessibility laws and provides good accessibility for most users. WCAG AAA is the highest level with stricter requirements, offering enhanced accessibility but can be difficult to achieve for all content. AA compliance is typically the target for most websites.
Q3:How do I fix failing color contrast ratios?
To improve contrast ratios, you can darken the text color, lighten the background color, or both. Our tool provides real-time feedback as you adjust colors. Consider using darker shades for text or lighter backgrounds, but ensure the colors still match your brand and design aesthetic.
Q4:Do I need to check contrast for all colors on my website?
You should check contrast for all text content, including body text, headings, links, buttons, and form labels. Decorative elements and logos don't require contrast compliance, but any text that conveys information must meet WCAG standards for accessibility.
Q5:Can I use this tool for mobile app design?
Yes, WCAG contrast standards apply to mobile apps as well as websites. The same contrast ratios ensure readability across different devices and lighting conditions. Many app stores also require accessibility compliance for app approval.
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