What does Color Contrast Check do?
Color Contrast Check helps you evaluate the contrast ratio between foreground and background colors using WCAG contrast criteria. It is designed to support design and development decisions by making contrast differences easy to see and understand.
How are contrast ratios calculated?
Contrast ratios are calculated using the WCAG formula, which measures the luminance difference between two colors. The result is a numeric ratio (for example, 4.5:1) that indicates how distinguishable the colors are from each other.
What do AA and AAA mean?
AA and AAA are levels defined by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Level AA is the most commonly targeted standard and is considered sufficient for most accessibility needs. Level AAA is the highest standard and provides enhanced accessibility, but it can be difficult to achieve consistently.
For contrast, AA requires a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text and UI elements. AAA requires 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text and UI elements.
What is considered normal and large text?
Normal text is text below 18 pt (approximately 18.66 px), or below 14 pt bold. Large text is 18 pt (approximately 24 px) or larger, or 14 pt (approximately 18.66 px) when bold, as defined by WCAG guidance.
What does color blindness simulation show?
Color simulations provide an approximation of how selected colors may appear to users with different forms of color vision deficiency. These simulations are indicative only and may not reflect every individual experience.
Does this tool check accessibility beyond color contrast?
No. This tool evaluates color contrast only. Accessibility also includes factors such as typography, interaction states, keyboard navigation, screen reader support, motion, and content structure.
What is WCAG and why does it matter?
WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These are global standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to help ensure that digital content is accessible to people with disabilities.
WCAG provides best practices for color contrast, readability, navigation, interaction, and more. Following these standards helps make designs more inclusive, user-friendly, and aligned with accessibility regulations in many regions.
Does this tool guarantee WCAG or legal compliance?
No. Color Contrast Check does not certify or guarantee WCAG or legal compliance for your content. The tool evaluates color contrast only, based on WCAG contrast criteria.
Disclaimer
Color Contrast Check evaluates color contrast only and is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. Results are informational only and may not reflect all real-world conditions, such as fonts, interaction states, visual effects, or user context.
This tool does not guarantee WCAG compliance, legal compliance, or overall accessibility. Users are solely responsible for decisions made using this tool, and it does not replace professional accessibility audits, user testing, or legal advice.