WCAG Contrast Checker - Color Accessibility Compliance Tool

Foreground (text)

Background

Contrast Ratio

21:1

Max possible: 21:1 (black on white)

AA Normal

≥ 4.5:1

AA Large

≥ 3:1

AAA Normal

≥ 7:1

AAA Large

≥ 4.5:1

Sample large text

This is normal body text shown in the chosen color combination. WCAG considers text ≥ 18pt (or ≥ 14pt bold) as "large".

Small text — be especially careful with contrast here.

WCAG 2.1 contrast requirements

AA (minimum): 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text (≥18pt or ≥14pt bold)
AAA (enhanced): 7:1 for normal text, 4.5:1 for large text
UI components & graphics: 3:1 minimum (WCAG 2.1)
Section 508 in the US references WCAG AA as the standard for federal sites

Tips for compliance

Avoid pure gray text on white — often fails AA. Use #595959 or darker
For body text, aim for AAA (7:1) when possible — friendlier for users with low vision
Light text on bright color backgrounds rarely passes — add darker background or text