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Free accessibility tool

Color Contrast Checker

Test your text and background colors for accessibility and WCAG compliance. Pick your colors at the top to see the contrast ratio instantly, then read the guidance below.

Working field

Choose your text and background colors.

Text Color
Background Color

Result

Your contrast ratio and WCAG results show here.

Contrast Ratio

NaN:1

  • Normal Text (AA)Pass
  • Large Text (AA)Pass
  • Normal Text (AAA)Pass
  • Large Text (AAA)Pass
This is a live preview of your contrast.
This checker is best for testing readable, WCAG-compliant color pairs right in your browser.

Color Contrast Checker — Ensure Accessibility & WCAG Compliance

Test color combinations for readability and compliance with WCAG standards in seconds. This tool keeps the workflow simple: input first, supporting content below, and the sidebar on the left for popular and related tools.

Real-time ratio

See the contrast ratio update the moment you change a color.

AA & AAA checks

Get instant pass or fail results for normal and large text.

Live preview

Watch your colors applied to sample text as you adjust them.

Private by design

Everything runs in your browser, so your data stays on your device.

How it works

  1. Pick your text color with the first color picker or HEX input.
  2. Choose your background color the same way.
  3. Read the contrast ratio and WCAG results in the panel.
  4. Check the live preview, then copy a color or reset to start over.

Best practices

  • Aim for at least 4.5:1 for normal body text.
  • Target 3:1 or higher for large headings.
  • Reach for AAA when readability is critical.
  • Test both light and dark theme variations.
  • Avoid low-contrast grays on white backgrounds.
  • Check the live preview before you ship a palette.

Frequently asked questions

What contrast ratio is required for accessibility?

WCAG asks for at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text at Level AA. Level AAA is stricter, needing 7:1 for normal text.

Does this tool support HEX color values?

Yes. Pick colors with the visual picker or type a HEX value directly into each input field for precise control.

Is it free to use?

Absolutely. The Color Contrast Checker is 100% free, runs in your browser, and never collects or stores your data.

What's the difference between AA and AAA?

AA is the common standard most sites aim for, while AAA is a higher bar for the strongest readability. Passing AAA also passes AA.

Why does large text have an easier requirement?

Larger text is easier to read at lower contrast, so WCAG sets a more relaxed ratio for it compared to normal-sized text.

Is my color data saved anywhere?

No. Everything runs locally in your browser, so your color choices stay on your device at all times.

For related color work, try the Color Palette Generator or the Color Picker & Converter.