WCAG Color Contrast Checker
Check if color contrast meets accessibility standards
Normal Text AA
Normal Text AAA
Large Text AA
Large Text AAA
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About WCAG Contrast Standards
AA Level
Normal text: minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio
Large text (18pt+ or 14pt+ bold): minimum 3:1 contrast ratio
AAA Level
Normal text: minimum 7:1 contrast ratio
Large text (18pt+ or 14pt+ bold): minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio
Large Text Definition
Text that is 18pt (24px) or larger, or 14pt (18.66px) or larger bold text
How to Use a Color Contrast Checker for Accessible Design
Understanding Color Contrast
Color contrast measures the difference in luminance between foreground and background colors. Higher contrast ratios make text easier to read, especially for users with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies. A good color contrast checker calculates this ratio instantly and helps you create accessible color combinations.
Who Needs WCAG Compliance?
Government websites, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and businesses serving the public must meet WCAG standards. WCAG AA compliance is the legal requirement in many countries, while AAA represents the highest accessibility standard for premium user experiences.
Testing Your Colors
Using ILovePalette's color contrast checker is simple: enter your foreground (text) and background colors in HEX format, or select from preset common colors. The tool instantly calculates your contrast ratio and shows which WCAG levels you pass. Test both normal and large text sizes since they have different requirements.
Common Contrast Issues
Low contrast combinations like light gray text on white backgrounds, or red text on green backgrounds, fail WCAG standards. Even stylish designs must maintain readability. When testing, ensure your primary content, navigation, and interactive elements all meet minimum contrast requirements.
Beyond Basic Contrast
Color contrast checking is just one part of accessible design. Don't rely on color alone to convey information—add icons, labels, or patterns. Consider users with different types of color blindness. Test your design with actual users who use assistive technologies to ensure comprehensive accessibility.
Best Practices
Start accessibility testing early in your design process. Use this color contrast checker to validate color choices before coding. Document your approved color combinations in a design system. Re-test after any color changes. Remember: accessible design benefits everyone, not just users with disabilities.