Contrast Checker
Ensure your text and UI meet WCAG 2.1 contrast requirements, an essential part of EAA/EN 301 549 conformance. Paste brand colors, preview combinations, and get a clear pass/fail for normal text, large text, and UI components.
Color Contrast Checker
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
Contrast Ratio
8.67:1
Trusted by organizations across Europe working toward WCAG and EAA conformance
What is a contrast checker and why use it?
Sufficient contrast improves readability for everyone, especially users with low vision, color-vision deficiencies, or on low-quality displays.
Check 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum), 1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced), and 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast for UI components and graphics.
The European Accessibility Act references EN 301 549 which in turn references WCAG contrast is a key part of meeting obligations.
Accessible palettes create resilient, legible interfaces that work in light/dark themes and across devices.
WCAG 2.1 contrast thresholds (quick reference)
Minimum ratio: 4.5:1 (text under 24px regular / 19px bold).
Minimum ratio: 3:1 (≥ 24 px regular or ≥ 19 px bold).
Minimum contrast with adjacent colors: 3:1 (focus rings, form inputs, icons, etc.).
Understanding WCAG Color Contrast for Web Accessibility
A color contrast checker is an essential tool for web designers and developers to ensure their digital content meets accessibility standards. WCAG color contrast guidelines help create interfaces that are readable and usable by everyone, including people with visual impairments.
What is WCAG Color Contrast?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) defines specific contrast ratios between text and background colors to ensure readability. The contrast checker calculates these ratios using relative luminance values, providing a mathematical measure of how distinguishable colors are from each other. Meeting these standards is crucial for WCAG 2.1 conformance and is referenced by regulations like the European Accessibility Act (EAA) through EN 301 549.
How Does a Contrast Checker Work?
Our WCAG color contrast checker analyzes the luminance difference between foreground (text) and background colors. It automatically calculates the contrast ratio and compares it against WCAG success criteria 4.5:1 for normal text (Level AA), 3:1 for large text, and 7:1 for enhanced contrast (Level AAA). This instant feedback helps you make informed design decisions without manual calculations.
Best Practices for Color Contrast
Start by testing your brand colors early in the design process using a contrast checker. Ensure all text elements, buttons, form inputs, and icons meet minimum requirements. Don't rely solely on color to convey information, use text labels, icons, or patterns as well. Regular testing with a WCAG contrast checker helps maintain accessibility standards throughout your project lifecycle.
Try the Contrast Checker
Enter foreground and background colors (HEX). The tool calculates the contrast ratio and shows pass/fail for WCAG levels. Results update as you type.
FAQ
Does WCAG 2.1 change contrast ratios?
Does the EAA require WCAG contrast?
What counts as 'large text'?
Make contrast checks part of your workflow
Run contrast checks during design reviews and code PRs. Combine with automated scanning to catch issues at scale.