Text must meet minimum contrast (4.5:1)

Rule text-contrast · Color & contrast · impact serious · Live only (static → incomplete)

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Why it matters#

Low-contrast text is hard or impossible to read for people with low vision or in bright light. WCAG requires at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (≥24px, or ≥18.66px bold).

How to fix#

Darken the text or lighten the background until the ratio meets 4.5:1 (3:1 for large text).

Example#

<p style="color:#999;background:#fff">Low contrast</p>

<p style="color:#333;background:#fff">Readable contrast</p>

WCAG success criteria#

1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) — Level AA#

Text needs a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 (3:1 for large text) against its background.

Understanding 1.4.3

Standards#

This rule contributes to the following standards:

WCAG AA EN 301 549 Trusted Tester ACT

References#

• WCAG — Contrast (Minimum)