Color Contrast Checker
Check WCAG accessibility compliance for your color combinations. Ensure your landing pages are readable and accessible to everyone.
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Large Text Example
This is normal text at 16px. It demonstrates how your text will appear against the selected background color.
This is small text at 14px. Small text requires higher contrast ratios for accessibility.
Understanding Color Contrast & Accessibility
What is Color Contrast?
Color contrast refers to the difference in luminance between two colors. High contrast makes text easier to read, while low contrast can make content difficult or impossible to perceive for users with visual impairments.
WCAG Standards
- • AA Level: 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text
- • AAA Level: 7:1 for normal text, 4.5:1 for large text
- • Large text: 18pt+ normal or 14pt+ bold
- • UI elements: 3:1 minimum for interactive components
Who Benefits?
- • Low vision users: Better readability
- • Colorblind users: Improved text distinction
- • Aging users: Easier reading experience
- • Everyone: Better usability in bright sunlight
Best Practices for Landing Pages
Accessible color choices don't just help users with disabilities—they improve readability and conversion rates for everyone:
Headlines & CTAs
Use high contrast ratios (7:1 or better) for headlines and call-to-action buttons to maximize visibility and clicks.
Body Text
Ensure all body text meets AA standards (4.5:1) minimum. Consider using dark gray instead of pure black for better readability.
Form Elements
Form labels, inputs, and error messages should meet AA standards to prevent user frustration and form abandonment.
Common Contrast Mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls that can hurt both accessibility and conversion rates:
Light gray text on white backgrounds
Often used for "subtle" design but fails accessibility standards and reduces readability.
Colored text without sufficient contrast
Blue, green, or red text often fails contrast requirements against light backgrounds.
Relying only on color for meaning
Use icons, underlines, or bold text alongside color to convey important information.
Small text with low contrast
Fine print, disclaimers, or captions need higher contrast ratios than larger text.
Testing Your Landing Pages
Regular contrast testing should be part of your landing page optimization process:
Pro Testing Tips
- • Test all text elements: headlines, body text, buttons, and form labels
- • Check contrast in different lighting conditions and screen brightness
- • Use browser accessibility tools to identify low-contrast elements
- • Test with actual users who have visual impairments when possible
- • Include contrast checks in your design review process
Business Impact of Accessibility
Accessible design isn't just about compliance—it directly impacts your bottom line:
Increased Conversions
Better readability leads to higher engagement and conversion rates across all user groups.
Wider Market Reach
15% of the global population has some form of disability—accessible design captures this market.
SEO Benefits
Accessible sites often rank better in search results and provide better user experience signals.
Legal Protection
WCAG compliance helps protect against accessibility-related lawsuits and discrimination claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between AA and AAA standards?
AA is the minimum standard for most websites and legal compliance (4.5:1 for normal text). AAA is enhanced accessibility (7:1 for normal text) recommended for specialized content like healthcare or education sites.
Do I need to meet AAA standards for my landing page?
AA compliance is typically sufficient and legally required in most jurisdictions. AAA is recommended for content that serves users with higher accessibility needs, but can be challenging to achieve while maintaining visual appeal.
What qualifies as "large text" in WCAG guidelines?
Large text is defined as 18 pixels or larger for regular weight fonts, or 14 pixels or larger for bold fonts. Large text has lower contrast requirements (3:1 for AA, 4.5:1 for AAA).
How does contrast affect conversion rates?
Poor contrast reduces readability, leading to higher bounce rates and lower conversions. Studies show that improving text readability can increase conversions by 10-40%, especially for older demographics.
Should I test contrast on different devices?
Yes! Mobile devices in bright sunlight, low-quality monitors, and different screen technologies can all affect contrast perception. Test your colors across multiple devices and lighting conditions.
Can I use brand colors and still meet accessibility standards?
Usually yes! You might need to adjust shade or saturation slightly, use your brand colors strategically, or ensure sufficient background contrast. Many brands have accessible color palettes alongside their primary brand colors.
Need Accessible Landing Page Templates?
SkunkPages templates are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring proper contrast ratios and WCAG compliance out of the box.
Browse Accessible Templates