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Color Contrast Calculator

Check WCAG 2.1 contrast ratios between any foreground and background colors, preview sample text, and see AA/AAA pass results instantly.

Color inputs
Foreground
Background
Preview
Sample text
Preview headingAccessible interfaces pair vibrant brand colors with enough contrast to keep copy readable.
Contrast results
Contrast ratio
19.79:1
Relative luminance
Foreground0.003
Background1.000
CriterionRequiredStatusNotes
AA – normal text4.5:1PassBody copy ≥ 4.5:1
AAA – normal text7.0:1PassHigh-importance copy ≥ 7:1
AA – large text3.0:1PassText ≥ 18pt regular or 14pt bold ≥ 3:1
AAA – large text4.5:1PassLarge text ≥ 4.5:1
UI graphics/icons3.0:1PassEssential icons and visual states ≥ 3:1
Design guidance
Use the ratio table as a guardrail and iterate until every state reaches the target level.
  • Add transparency or overlays when placing text on photography to preserve contrast.
  • Reserve AAA for mission critical copy; AA is an excellent default for most dashboards.
  • Document the approved color pairs in your design system so developers reuse compliant palettes.

What is color contrast testing

Color contrast testing ensures text or icons remain legible by measuring the difference between foreground and background luminance, a key requirement in WCAG and most brand guidelines.

Key features

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Live color picking

Adjust foreground and background colors with the Ant Design picker or type precise HEX values.
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WCAG matrix

See AA/AAA requirements for normal text, large text, and UI graphics in a single table.
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Accurate luminance

Contrast ratios follow WCAG 2.1 using linearized RGB channels and include per-color luminance readouts.
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Preview block

Test headings and paragraphs inside a live sample card with your chosen palette.

📋Usage guide

1️⃣
Pick colors
Select or paste HEX values for foreground and background.
2️⃣
Review ratio
Check the calculated contrast ratio and the AA/AAA table for pass/fail insights.
3️⃣
Adjust copy
Edit the sample text to preview real labels, buttons, or marketing copy.

📚Technical introduction

🔢Relative luminance

Each RGB channel is converted to a linear value using the WCAG gamma curve before computing luminance with coefficients 0.2126, 0.7152, and 0.0722.

⚖️Contrast ratio

The ratio formula (L1 + 0.05) / (L2 + 0.05) compares the lighter and darker colors to ensure consistent readability across devices.

📐Thresholds

AA normal text requires ≥ 4.5:1, large text ≥ 3:1, AAA normal needs 7:1, AAA large 4.5:1, and graphical objects should meet 3:1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does large text use different thresholds?

Yes. Text ≥ 18px regular or 14px bold qualifies as large and only needs 3:1 for AA or 4.5:1 for AAA.
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How do I test gradients?

Check the lightest and darkest stops in the gradient. Each stop pair should meet the desired ratio.
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Do icons count as text?

Solid icons and essential UI graphics should meet at least 3:1 contrast relative to their background.

💡How To & Tips

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Start with brand palette

Swap colors quickly to test both light and dark themes from the same base palette.
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Iterate small steps

Nudge HEX values or use the color picker slider to see how little tweaks affect compliance.
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Preview content

Paste real UI copy into the preview block to evaluate hierarchy and emphasis.

📝Update log

📌v1.0.251117
v1.0.0Initial release with WCAG table, luminance readout, and live preview card.(Nov 17, 2025)

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