1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)

What WCAG 1.4.3 Requires

Normal text needs a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background, and large text (18pt, or 14pt bold) needs at least 3:1, so low-vision users can read it.

New to this criterion? Read our plain-English guide, WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) Explained in Plain English, with examples and code.

Can AccessBell Test This Automatically?

Yes. AccessBell's scanner runs axe-core, which includes 1 rule that catch code-level failures of this criterion:

• color-contrast — Ensure the contrast between foreground and background colors meets WCAG 2 AA minimum contrast ratio thresholds (details (opens in a new tab))

This criterion is included in: WCAG 2.2 AA Checker, WCAG 2.1 AA Checker, ADA Compliance Checker, Section 508 Checker, EN 301 549 Checker.

How to Test It by Hand

Run an automated contrast checker, or use a color picker to sample text and background colors and calculate the ratio.

Check any text and background pair in seconds with our free WCAG color contrast checker.

Common Failures

• Light gray text on a white background (a common "muted" or placeholder style) falls below 4.5:1.
• White text over a background image or gradient drops below the ratio in lighter areas.

Example Fix

1. Meet the minimum ratios. Body text needs 4.5:1 against its background. Large text (24px, or 19px bold) needs 3:1.
2. Fix the design tokens. Change the color variable in one place so every component that uses it is fixed together.
3. Check every state. Hover, focus, disabled-looking and placeholder text must also be readable.

/* Before: #9aa0a6 on white is 2.6:1 and fails */
.card-meta { color: #9aa0a6; }

/* After: #5b6170 on white is 6.2:1 and passes */
:root { --text-muted: #5b6170; }
.card-meta { color: var(--text-muted); }

/* Text over images: add a solid backing */
.hero-caption {
  color: #fff;
  background: rgb(0 0 0 / 0.7);
}

Related Criteria in Distinguishable

• 1.4.1 Use of ColorLevel A · WCAG 2.0
• 1.4.2 Audio ControlLevel A · WCAG 2.0
• 1.4.4 Resize TextLevel AA · WCAG 2.0
• 1.4.5 Images of TextLevel AA · WCAG 2.0
• 1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced)Level AAA · WCAG 2.0
• 1.4.7 Low or No Background AudioLevel AAA · WCAG 2.0
• 1.4.8 Visual PresentationLevel AAA · WCAG 2.0
• 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception)Level AAA · WCAG 2.0
• 1.4.10 ReflowLevel AA · WCAG 2.1
• 1.4.11 Non-text ContrastLevel AA · WCAG 2.1
• 1.4.12 Text SpacingLevel AA · WCAG 2.1
• 1.4.13 Content on Hover or FocusLevel AA · WCAG 2.1

WCAG 1.4.3 Questions