Test WCAG compliance for foreground and background colors to ensure web accessibility
Tip: Enter colors in hex format (#RRGGBB), RGB (rgb(255,255,255)), or HSL (hsl(0,0%,100%))
Example: Black text (#000000) on white background (#FFFFFF) = 21:1 ratio (Perfect)
The Color Contrast Checker is an essential tool for web designers, developers, and content creators who want to ensure their websites meet accessibility standards. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about color contrast, WCAG compliance, and how to use our online checker effectively.
Color contrast accessibility refers to the difference in luminance or brightness between foreground text and its background. Proper contrast ensures that content is readable by people with visual impairments, including those with low vision, color blindness, or other vision-related disabilities.
The color contrast checker measures this difference using a mathematical ratio, helping you determine whether your color combinations meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Understanding the importance of web accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive digital experiences:
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide specific requirements for color contrast:
| Level | Normal Text | Large Text | Ratio Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA (Minimum) | 18pt or 14pt+bold | 14pt or 12pt+bold | 4.5:1 |
| AAA (Enhanced) | 18pt or 14pt+bold | 14pt or 12pt+bold | 7:1 |
The contrast ratio is calculated using the relative luminance of colors:
Contrast Ratio Formula:
(L1 + 0.05) / (L2 + 0.05)
Where L1 is the lighter color's luminance and L2 is the darker color's luminance
Contrast ratios range from 1:1 (identical colors) to 21:1 (black vs white):
| Ratio | Description | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| 21:1 | Maximum contrast (black/white) | Perfect for all users |
| 7:1 to 21:1 | AAA compliant | Meets enhanced standards |
| 4.5:1 to 7:1 | AA compliant | Meets minimum standards |
| 3:1 to 4.5:1 | Low contrast | May cause readability issues |
| 1:1 to 3:1 | Poor contrast | Difficult to read for many users |
Our online color contrast checker provides instant feedback on your color combinations. Follow these simple steps:
Pro Tip: Start with high-contrast combinations and gradually adjust for your design aesthetic while maintaining accessibility.
Our color contrast checker accepts multiple color formats:
| Format | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hexadecimal | #FF5733 | 6-digit hex with # prefix |
| RGB | rgb(255, 87, 51) | Red, Green, Blue values (0-255) |
| RGBA | rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.8) | RGB with alpha transparency |
| HSL | hsl(12, 100%, 60%) | Hue, Saturation, Lightness |
| HSLA | hsla(12, 100%, 60%, 0.8) | HSL with alpha transparency |
These common color contrast problems can make content difficult to read:
Follow these design best practices for accessible color contrast:
Implementing accessible color contrast in your projects:
/* Good contrast example */
.accessible-text {
color: #000000;
background-color: #FFFFFF;
}
/* Poor contrast example (avoid) */
.poor-contrast {
color: #CCCCCC;
background-color: #FFFFFF;
}
Integrate contrast checking into your development workflow:
Designing for color vision deficiency:
| Type | Affected Colors | Design Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Red-Green | Reds and greens appear similar | Use contrast and patterns, not just color |
| Blue-Yellow | Blues and yellows are confused | Ensure sufficient brightness differences |
| Monochromacy | See only shades of gray | Rely on contrast ratios, not hue |
Mobile accessibility requires special attention to contrast:
Understanding accessibility compliance standards:
| Standard | Scope | Contrast Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1 | Web content worldwide | AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1 |
| ADA | US public accommodations | Requires WCAG AA compliance |
| Section 508 | US federal agencies | Mandates WCAG AA standards |
| EN 301 549 | EU digital accessibility | Requires WCAG AA compliance |
Professional accessibility strategies for complex designs:
.text-with-shadow {
color: #FFFFFF;
text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.8);
}
.overlay-text {
background: rgba(0,0,0,0.7);
padding: 10px;
border-radius: 5px;
}
Comprehensive accessibility testing approaches:
Prevent these accessibility pitfalls:
Emerging accessibility trends and technologies:
Expand your accessibility knowledge with these resources:
The Color Contrast Checker is an invaluable tool for creating accessible, inclusive web experiences. By understanding WCAG standards, testing your color combinations, and implementing accessible design practices, you can ensure your content is readable by everyone, regardless of their visual abilities.
Whether you're designing a new website, auditing existing content, or developing accessibility guidelines for your team, our online color contrast checker provides the instant feedback and compliance information you need. With support for multiple color formats, real-time preview, and comprehensive WCAG reporting, it's the perfect solution for designers, developers, and content creators committed to web accessibility.
Start using our free color contrast checker today and take the first step toward creating more accessible, user-friendly digital experiences. Remember that accessible design benefits everyone, not just users with disabilities, making it an essential consideration for any successful web project.
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