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Dictionary entry

color contrast ratio

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A measured comparison of how different text (or an icon) is in lightness from the background behind it, written as a ratio like 4.5:1. The bigger the number, the easier it is to read, especially for people with low vision.

Synonyms

Related terms

In plain words

  • how much the text stands out from the background
  • whether the writing is easy to read against its background

Usage example

The pale grey caption failed the color contrast ratio check, so we darkened it to meet 4.5:1.

Don't confuse with…

  • contrastGeneral design contrast is any visual difference used for interest; color contrast ratio is a specific measurable number used to judge readability.

Categories

  • Accessibility

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Directly related

Two hops away

  • Relatedcolor contrast ratio related of color-blind safe palette
  • Synonymcolor contrast ratio synonym of contrast ratio
  • Relatedcolor contrast ratio related of non-text contrast
  • Relatedcolor contrast ratio related of screen reader
  • Relatedcontrast ratio related of accessibility
  • Relatedscreen reader related of alt text
  • Relatedscreen reader related of aria label
  • Relatednon-text contrast related of color-blind safe palette
  • Relatedcolor-blind safe palette related of color contrast ratio
  • Relatednon-text contrast related of color contrast ratio
  • Relatedcontrast ratio related of color palette
  • Relatednon-text contrast related of focus indicator
  • Relatedcolor-blind safe palette related of non-text contrast
  • Relatedcontrast ratio related of readability
  • Relatedscreen reader related of reading order
  • Relatedscreen reader related of visually hidden text

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