Free tool · Website · No sign-up
Colour contrast checker
Check whether your text is readable on its background, against WCAG AA and AAA, and get a passing shade if it isn't.
Large heading text
Normal body text, the size most of your page is written in. Can you read this easily?
Contrast ratio
–
AA · normal text
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AA · large text
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AAA · normal text
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AAA · large text
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Closest text colour that passes AA:
Tap it to use it.
Runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or stored.
How to use it
- 01
Pick two colours
Your text colour and the background it sits on. Type hex codes or use the pickers.
- 02
Read the result
The ratio and whether it passes for normal text (AA needs 4.5:1) and large text (3:1).
- 03
Use the suggestion
If it fails, the tool offers the closest shade of your colour that passes.
Questions about this tool
What contrast ratio do I need?
WCAG AA, the level most sites aim for, needs at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (about 24px, or 19px bold). AAA needs 7:1 and 4.5:1.
Why does contrast matter?
Low-contrast text is hard to read for many people, including anyone with weaker eyesight or reading a phone outdoors. Readable text also keeps visitors on the page.
Does it apply to buttons and icons?
Yes. Button text needs the same contrast as other text, and icons and input borders that people need to see should reach at least 3:1 against what's around them.
Brand colour fails. What now?
Keep the brand colour for large shapes and backgrounds, and use the suggested darker or lighter shade for text and small details.
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