Stillmore

Free Text Contrast Checker

Choose a text colour and a background colour to preview the pair and read its contrast ratio.

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

See these two colours at reading size

Dark plum text on a pale pink background gives a contrast ratio of 10.01 to 1. This pair passes both the body text and large text checks in the tool.

Sunglasses in a fashion shoot
The spring editA headline and a supporting line for a fashion card.
Text
#522643
Background
#F5E4EC
Contrast
10.01 : 1

How to test a text and background pair

  1. Choose the text colour

    Set the foreground to the colour you intend to use for the lettering.

  2. Set the background

    Use the flat colour directly behind the letters. For a photo, test more than one part of the frame.

  3. Read the two verdicts

    Compare the ratio with the body-text and large-text thresholds shown alongside the preview.

Where a colour pair needs a second look

Check the actual pair your customers will read before committing it to a graphic.

Read a product label

Test the fine print against the packaging colour before setting the final type.

Style a price card

A price may be large while a unit or discount condition is small. Use the appropriate verdict for each.

Choose a caption plate

Try a dark caption on a pale panel, then swap colours and inspect the preview.

Prepare a shop banner

Check whether brand lettering still reads against the chosen promotional background.

Text contrast checker FAQ

How can I tell whether my menu headline will stand out?

Enter the actual text and background colours. Aim for at least 4.5:1 for normal text or 3:1 for large text. Over a photo, test the lightest and darkest areas behind the lettering.

Does swapping foreground and background change the ratio?

No. The ratio uses the lighter and darker luminance values. Swapping them changes the preview while keeping the same numeric ratio.

Why are there separate verdicts?

The checker uses 4.5:1 for normal body text and 3:1 for large text. A pair can pass one threshold and miss the other.

Can I test text over a photograph?

The inputs accept flat colours. Check representative light and dark areas separately, or give the text a solid backing.

How much contrast does this checker require for body text?

The body-text check passes at 4.5:1. A 3.5:1 pair passes the large-text check here but falls short for body copy.

How can I keep my brand purple and improve the score?

Keep purple in one colour field and adjust the other. Try a lighter background for dark purple text, or a darker background for a pale purple headline.

What does a ratio of 1:1 tell me?

The two colours have the same relative luminance. Even if their hues look different, they provide no light–dark contrast for reading.