Accessibility · official-source review · reviewed 2026-10-10
A color pair can look fine on a bright screen and still fail the contrast requirement for the text size you chose.
Turn a measured contrast ratio, the font size, and the conformance level into the required ratio and a pass or fail result.
Designers, developers, and writers checking text colors against WCAG 2.2 contrast minimums.
Use the source document or official route that applies to your situation. This guide does not contact another person or verify external information.
Use a contrast checker on the actual text and background colors. Record the ratio to one decimal place.
Check the size in points and whether the text is bold. Large text has a lower requirement.
Choose AA for the common target. AAA is stricter and is not required for every page.
Compare the measured ratio with the required ratio. A ratio equal to the requirement passes.
Read the WCAG definition of large text for your case before you rely on the lower requirement.
Text at 16 points measures 4.2 to 1. Normal text at level AA needs 4.5 to 1, so the result is a fail.
Use your own source and details. The example is not a record about a real person or organization.
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative · reviewed 2026-10-10
What this source supports: WCAG 2.2 requires 4.5:1 contrast for normal text (AA) and 7:1 (AAA), with 3:1 for large text.
Source limit: Contrast is one of many accessibility requirements; it does not guarantee legibility on its own.
These sources support the statements above. They do not show that every person needs this guide. They do not show a specific result.
This guide checks one ratio against one requirement. It does not measure the ratio for you and does not cover non-text contrast or focus indicators.
Contrast is one of many accessibility requirements; it does not guarantee legibility on its own.
Use current instructions from the responsible organization. This guide is a planning aid, not an official decision or a substitute for qualified advice.
Turn a measured contrast ratio, the font size, and the conformance level into the required ratio and a pass or fail result.
This App checks one measured ratio against one requirement. It does not measure colors, cover non-text contrast, or replace testing with real users.
You enter every number yourself. The sources support the method and the limits. They do not produce a result for your specific case. Keep the original documents next to the sheet you build.
The App computes the worked example with your own numbers, in your browser.
APP 1
Turn a measured contrast ratio, the font size, and the conformance level into the required ratio and a pass or fail result.
Free · no account · no upload
Open Text Contrast Requirement CheckThe App runs in this browser. It does not send or save entries. Copy, download, or print only when you choose.
This guide uses short, direct instructions as an ASD-STE100-style writing target. It is not a formal certification.
Companion App: Text Contrast Requirement Check. It runs in this browser and does not upload your entries.
This guide is edited for clarity and checked against the sources it links. It is not a substitute for official instructions or qualified advice. A linked source does not show that every person needs this guide.