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Color Contrast Requirements (WCAG 1.4.3)

Low-contrast text is one of the most common WCAG AA failures — and one of the easiest to fix once you know the numbers.

The ratios

Normal text needs a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background. Large text (18pt, or 14pt bold) needs at least 3:1. User-interface components and meaningful graphics also need at least 3:1.

How to measure

Use a contrast checker with the foreground and background hex values. Watch out for text over images or gradients — the contrast must hold across the whole area the text sits on.

Common fixes

Darken light-gray body text, avoid pale text on white, and don’t place white text on light brand colors. Sale badges and call-to-action buttons are frequent offenders.

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More guides

The WCAG 2.1 AA Checklist for Small BusinessesADA Website Lawsuits, ExplainedHow to Write Alt Text (With Examples)How to Build Accessible FormsKeyboard Navigation & FocusHow to Test Your Site with a Screen Reader