WCAG Contrast Checker
WCAG Contrast Checker FAQs
A WCAG Contrast Checker is an online tool that helps evaluate whether the foreground and background colors of text or elements meet the WCAG 2.2 guidelines. It does this by considering the hex values from the CSS and calculating the contrast ratio.
According to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), text and images of text should have a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text (Level AA) and a minimum contrast ratio of 3:1 for large text. For enhanced contrast (Level AAA), normal text should have a contrast ratio of at least 7:1, while large text should meet a ratio of 4.5:1. Non-text elements, such as form fields and modal dialogs, should have a minimum contrast ratio of 3:1.
Yes, the WCAG Contrast Checker is free, and there is no limit to how many times you can use it.
Yes, the WCAG Contrast Checker is fully accessible. Every effort has been made to ensure that all aspects of the tool work seamlessly with keyboard navigation, mouse input, and assistive technologies.
Simply select the hex codes of the color palettes from your CSS and input them into the tool. It will determine if the colors meet the WCAG 2.2 contrast requirements. If the colors do not meet the necessary standards, you can use the provided sliders to adjust the colors and generate an accessible palette.
The WCAG Contrast Checker can evaluate a variety of elements, including text, buttons, links, and other UI components. It assesses both the foreground (text or element color) and background colors to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.2 contrast standards.
Color contrast is critical for accessibility because it ensures that text and other elements are easily distinguishable, especially for people with visual impairments like low vision or color blindness. Good contrast helps everyone access content more easily, improving the overall user experience.
The WCAG contrast checker is designed for solid color backgrounds. To evaluate contrast with gradient backgrounds or images, additional tools or techniques are recommended, as these scenarios involve more complex calculations.
WCAG defines different levels of conformance:
- Level AA** requires a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for large text, which is considered adequate for most users, including those with moderate vision impairments.
- Level AAA** has stricter requirements, with a contrast ratio of 7:1 for regular text and 4.5:1 for large text. This level is often used for content that needs to be highly accessible to people with significant visual impairments.
Yes, the tool takes into account the size of the text when calculating the contrast ratio. It applies different contrast thresholds based on whether the text is considered “regular” or “large” according to WCAG guidelines.
No, the WCAG Contrast Checker evaluates one pair of foreground and background colors at a time. To test multiple combinations, you will need to run each pair separately.
Yes, while the WCAG Contrast Checker is primarily for websites, the same color contrast principles apply to mobile apps. You can use this tool to test the color contrast of mobile app designs by checking the relevant color codes.
Currently, the tool does not offer a save feature for tested combinations. However, you can manually note down the accessible color combinations you find, or use browser-based tools to store them.