WCAG AAA Contrast Checker
Verify enhanced accessibility compliance
Okay,
We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
Aristotle
What is WCAG 2.1 AAA?
WCAG AAA represents enhanced accessibility—stricter requirements for users with more significant visual impairments. It requires 7:1 contrast for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text, substantially improving readability for people with low vision.
AAA compliance isn't always feasible for entire sites, especially those with specific brand colors. However, targeting AAA where possible (especially for body text) significantly improves user experience for accessibility-conscious audiences.
Why WCAG 2.1 AAA Matters
Government websites, healthcare platforms, and educational resources often aim for AAA compliance. Users of these services may have higher rates of visual impairment, making enhanced contrast essential.
AAA also future-proofs designs. As populations age and screen time increases, higher contrast becomes relevant for more users. What serves accessibility today serves mainstream users tomorrow.
WCAG 2.1 AAA Requirements
**Normal text (under 18pt):** 7:1 minimum ratio
**Large text (18pt+ regular or 14pt+ bold):** 4.5:1 minimum ratio
These stricter ratios significantly reduce the pool of usable color combinations. Dark grays, pastels, and similar-lightness pairs rarely achieve AAA compliance.
How to Pass WCAG 2.1 AAA
- Prioritize AAA for body text and critical content
- Accept AA for decorative and non-essential elements
- Consider darker themes—they often achieve AAA more easily
- Test with users who have visual impairments
Pro Tip
Pure black (#000) on pure white (#fff) achieves 21:1—well above AAA. You can soften to dark gray (#333) and still pass AAA.
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