Low-contrast text locks out users with low vision - and fails accessibility audits. This free color contrast checker computes the exact WCAG contrast ratio between any text and background color, then grades it against AA and AAA thresholds for normal and large text. Adjust either color with one click until every badge turns green.
Test your color pair
Pick a text color and a background color. The WCAG contrast ratio and pass/fail grades update live.
Sample heading in your colors
Sample body text at normal size. If you can read this comfortably, your users probably can too, but the ratio above is the objective test.
Bold large text has a lower bar (3:1 for AA) than normal body text (4.5:1).
Frequently asked questions
Is the contrast checker free?
Yes. Unlimited checks, no signup, no caps. The WCAG math runs entirely in your browser.
What contrast ratio do I need to pass?
WCAG AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt+, or 14pt+ bold). AAA requires 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text. Most sites target AA.
Do you store my color choices?
No. Everything is computed locally; your palette never leaves the browser.
Why does my brand color fail on white?
Many brand colors are mid-tone, and mid-tones lack the luminance gap white needs. The usual fix is a darker shade of the same hue for text while keeping the bright brand color for accents.
Does this check non-text contrast too?
The ratio math is the same, but WCAG grades UI components and icons against a 3:1 bar rather than the text thresholds shown here. Use the AA large-text badge as a rough proxy for icons.