What WCAG level should I target?

Level AA is the standard. It is required by law in many jurisdictions and achievable with most brand colors. AAA is aspirational but not legally required.

Does contrast apply to images?

Text rendered as part of an image must meet contrast requirements. Decorative images and logos are exempt, but any text meant to convey information must pass.

What about colorblind users?

Contrast ratio calculations account for luminance but not color discrimination. Additionally, never use color alone to convey meaning \u2014 add icons, patterns, or labels.

Is there a maximum contrast?

WCAG does not define a maximum, but extremely high contrast (pure black on pure white, 21:1) can cause eye strain for some users with dyslexia or light sensitivity. Aim for 7:1 to 15:1 for body text.

How to Check WCAG Color Contrast (2026)

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