Accessibility

Accessibility Contrast Checker

Check whether your text and background colors meet WCAG AA and AAA contrast requirements.

Colors

Contrast ratio

Ratio21.0:1
AA Normal Text
Pass
AAA Normal Text
Pass
AA Large Text
Pass
AAA Large Text
Pass

Preview

Sample text on your chosen background

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

Sample body text at normal size. 0123456789

What is the minimum contrast ratio for accessibility?

The contrast ratio measures the luminance difference between text and background. WCAG guidelines set minimums so people with low vision can read: 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text at level AA. Good contrast also helps reading in sunlight and improves usability for everyone.

WCAG minimums

  • Normal text: 4.5:1 (AA), 7:1 (AAA)
  • Large text (18pt+ or 14pt bold): 3:1 (AA)
  • UI components and icons: 3:1
  • Avoid light gray on white for small text

AbstractOS

Want a site that is truly accessible?

Build it in Prisma Studio with good contrast and readability practices from the start.

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How to check color contrast

  1. 1

    Set text and background

    Pick the text color and the background color you want to evaluate.

  2. 2

    See the contrast ratio

    The tool shows the ratio and whether it passes WCAG AA and AAA levels.

  3. 3

    Adjust until it passes

    Refine the colors until you reach the minimum contrast for good readability.

Frequently asked questions

What is the WCAG contrast ratio?

It is the relationship between text and background luminance. WCAG recommends at least 4.5:1 for normal text (AA).

What is the difference between AA and AAA?

AA requires 4.5:1 (normal text) and AAA requires 7:1, a stricter accessibility standard.

Why does contrast matter for SEO?

Good accessibility improves user experience, an indirect signal valued by search engines.

Is the basic use free?

Yes. The tool offers free basic use so you can run the main workflow and see the essential result. Advanced exports, full reports, batch features or Studio-connected resources may require an unlock. Paid subscribers do not face export gates when the feature is included in their plan.

Do I need an account to see the result?

The primary result is available in the public tool flow. In some cases, reports, advanced downloads, extra conversions or complete kits may ask for a contact or a quick action. This keeps the copy accurate instead of promising absence of signup where a lead gate exists.

Contrast checker for web accessibility and WCAG 2.1

Ensure inclusive design and test readability with our online contrast checker. Verify whether foreground and background combinations meet WCAG 2.1 criteria (AA and AAA) for normal and large text. Essential for designers and frontend developers who want accessible sites for every user.

Why use this tool

  • Real-time color contrast test with instant results
  • WCAG 2.1 compliance for AA and AAA normal and large text
  • Inclusive design indicators with Pass/Fail by criterion
  • Free web accessibility checks without paid tools
  • Preview the color pair with sample text
  • Useful for design systems and interface reviews

How to use

  1. Select the text color (foreground) and background color
  2. Check the contrast ratio and AA/AAA badges
  3. Adjust colors until you pass the desired levels
  4. Use the preview area to validate readability in practice

Frequently asked questions

What is WCAG 2.1 and why does contrast matter?
WCAG 2.1 is a set of web accessibility guidelines. Color contrast ensures text and background are different enough to be read by people with low vision or in varied lighting. AA and AAA are the most common levels.
Is this tool suitable for inclusive design?
Yes. The readability test follows relative luminance and contrast ratio calculations. Use it to validate palettes before production and make interfaces more accessible.
Do I need an account or installation?
No. The checker runs in the browser. Choose colors and review the results.