What is the difference between WCAG AA and AAA?

Level AA is the standard legal compliance benchmark for web applications. Level AAA is an enhanced standard requiring a 7.0:1 ratio for normal text.

Updated: August 2026 • Verified v1.2

WCAG Color Contrast Checker & Accessibility Ratio Evaluator

Creative & DesignDesign

Local Browser Execution: Your input is processed locally in your browser and is not sent to UTL servers.

Contrast Ratio = (L1 + 0.05) / (L2 + 0.05), where L is relative luminance

Was this calculation helpful?

Understanding Your Results

Calculates exact relative luminance contrast ratio (e.g. 7.42:1) and passes/fails AA Normal, AA Large, AAA Normal, and UI Component criteria.

Practical Guidance & Next Steps

A minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 is required for body text under 18pt to pass standard WCAG Level AA compliance.

What is this?

A design accessibility utility that evaluates color combinations against official WCAG contrast ratio guidelines.

How does it work?

1. Pick or enter foreground (text) and background hex colors. 2. Instantly see the calculated contrast ratio score and AA/AAA pass/fail badges. 3. View a live visual typography rendering with sample buttons and body text.

Why use it?

Ensures digital products are legible for users with low vision or color vision deficiencies, avoiding accessibility lawsuits.

Technical Scope & Calculation Limitations

Calculations follow the standard WCAG 2.1 relative luminance mathematical formula.

Frequently Asked Questions

WCAG 2.1 Level AA requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal body text and at least 3.0:1 for large text (18pt+ or 14pt+ bold) and graphical UI components.

Windows Desktop & Widget Options