zero·style

Dictionary entry

contrast ratio

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A number that measures how different two colours are in lightness — used to check that text is readable against its background. Higher is easier to read.

Synonyms

  • colour contrast
  • wcag contrast

Related terms

In plain words

  • whether the text stands out enough to read
  • how easy the text is to see against the background

Usage example

Light grey text on white failed the contrast ratio check, so we darkened it to pass accessibility standards.

Don't confuse with…

  • saturationContrast ratio is about difference in lightness between two colours; saturation is how vivid one colour is.

Categories

  • Color

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Focus term

Directly related

Two hops away

  • Relatedcontrast ratio related of accessibility
  • Relatedcontrast ratio related of color palette
  • Relatedcontrast ratio related of readability
  • Relatedcolor palette related of accent color
  • Relatedaccessibility related of alt text
  • Relatedaccessibility related of color contrast
  • Relatedcolor palette related of color harmony
  • Relatedreadability related of content design
  • Relatedreadability related of plain language
  • Relatedreadability related of scannability
  • Relatedaccessibility related of touch target

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