Color Contrast Checker

Ensure accessible color combinations for UI design.

Check foreground and background color contrast per WCAG 2.1. Supports #hex, rgb(), and hsl(). Get accessible fix suggestions, use the eyedropper, and export CSS or JSON. 100% browser-based and privacy-first.

Quick presets

One-click foreground/background pairs for common use cases.

Colors

Results

Contrast Ratio: 21.00:1

  • PassAA Normal Text (4.5:1)Passes (21.00:1 ≥ 4.5:1).
  • PassAA Large Text (3:1)Passes (21.00:1 ≥ 3:1). Large text is ≥18px or ≥14px bold.
  • PassAAA Normal Text (7:1)Passes (21.00:1 ≥ 7:1).
  • PassAAA Large Text (4.5:1)Passes (21.00:1 ≥ 4.5:1).
  • PassUI Components (3:1)Passes (21.00:1 ≥ 3:1).

Color blindness simulation

Simulate how your colors may look to users with color vision deficiency. Simulation applies only to the previews below (text and UI examples), not to the actual contrast ratio.

Non-text contrast (WCAG 1.4.11)

UI components and graphical objects need at least 3:1 contrast against adjacent colors. This applies to buttons, inputs, borders, and icons.

ButtonBadge

UI contrast: Pass (≥3:1)

Live preview

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

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What is WCAG contrast ratio?

The WCAG contrast ratio measures the difference in perceived brightness between foreground (e.g. text) and background colors. It is expressed as a number like 4.5:1 or 7:1. Higher ratios improve readability for people with low vision or in poor lighting. WCAG 2.1 defines minimum ratios for Level AA and AAA so that content remains accessible.

AA vs AAA contrast explained

AA requires at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (or bold). AAA requires at least 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text. Most projects aim for AA; AAA is recommended for critical or long-form content. This contrast checker shows both so you can choose the right level for your design.

How to fix low color contrast

If your foreground background contrast fails WCAG, you can: (1) Darken the text or lighten the background (or vice versa) until the ratio meets 4.5:1 or 7:1. (2) Use the suggested colors above—they pass AA with minimal visual change. (3) Increase font weight or size so the large-text threshold (3:1) applies. (4) Avoid light gray on white or dark gray on black; small adjustments often fix the issue.

Common accessibility mistakes designers make

Relying on color alone for meaning, using low-contrast body text, ignoring focus styles, and forgetting non-text contrast (buttons, inputs, borders) are common pitfalls. This tool checks both text and UI contrast so you can fix issues before launch. Always test with real users and assistive tech when possible.

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By Muhammad Abdullah Rauf · Founder, EverydayTools.proUpdated 2026

What is Color Contrast Checker?

Ensure accessible color combinations for UI design.

Free color contrast checker — test text and background color combinations for WCAG AA (4.5:1) and AAA (7:1) compliance. Essential for accessible web design. No signup.

How to use Color Contrast Checker

  1. Set base values

    Choose ratio, base unit, or seed colors.

  2. Review output

    Preview the scale, palette, or contrast preview.

  3. Export tokens

    Copy CSS variables, Tailwind config, or HEX list.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is WCAG AA vs AAA?

AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text; AAA requires 7:1—stricter for body copy accessibility.

Does contrast apply to UI components?

Yes—test text on buttons, inputs, and cards, not just paragraph copy.

Privacy, accuracy, and trust

Privacy

Foreground and background colors are tested in-browser; pairs are not stored remotely.

Accuracy

WCAG ratios are indicative—verify with official audits for compliance sign-off.

For design systems and prototyping—not legal accessibility certification.

Part of Design & UI Tools

More free tools for the same workflow.

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Reviewed by EverydayTools Editorial Team on 2026-05-19.