WCAG Contrast Checker
Verify that text and UI colors meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards. Pick any foreground and background color, see the exact contrast ratio, and instantly know whether it passes AA or AAA for normal and large text. One-click adjust buttons lighten or darken a color until it reaches a 4.5:1 ratio.
How to use WCAG Contrast Checker
Enter two colors
Set a foreground (text) and a background color.
Read the verdict
See the ratio and whether it passes WCAG AA/AAA for normal and large text.
Fix it fast
Use the lighten/darken buttons to nudge a color to a passing ratio.
WCAG contrast checker
relative luminance L = 0.0133
relative luminance L = 1.0000
Result
Aa
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This text sample shows how the pair reads in real use.
AAA — passes WCAG AAA (exceeds by 1.5+)
AA needs ≥ 4.5:1 (normal) or ≥ 3:1 (large). AAA needs ≥ 7:1 (normal) or ≥ 4.5:1 (large).
Accessibility tips
Don't rely on color alone
Always pair color with icons, text or patterns — color-blind users may not distinguish color-coded states.Test on both ends
The same text color may pass on white but fail on a brand-colored background. Check every pairing you ship.Large text gets a pass
WCAG requires less contrast for large (≥18pt or ≥14pt bold) text and UI components: 3:1 instead of 4.5:1.Use the adjust buttons
One click lightens or darkens a color just enough to reach a 4.5:1 ratio, so you can fix pairs fast.Key Features
- Exact WCAG 2.1 contrast ratio
- AA and AAA pass/fail for normal and large text
- Relative luminance readout for each color
- One-click adjust to reach 4.5:1
- Realistic text preview
- Accessibility tips built in
Common Use Cases
- Ensure body text meets WCAG AA before launch
- Audit brand color combinations for accessibility
- Pick accessible button and link colors
- Comply with ADA and similar accessibility regulations
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