Accessibility color difference best practices

Best Practice

• Sufficient color contrast should be provided (at least 4.5:1 ratio) for regular text.
• If the text is large, a color contrast ratio of 3:1 can be provided.
• Black text on a white background has the highest readability.
• Warm and cold colors make for the best color contrast.

1. What is a good colour contrast ratio?
2. What colors to avoid for accessibility?
3. How does color and contrast affect accessibility?
4. What is a 4 5 1 contrast ratio?

What is a good colour contrast ratio?

Best Practices

Ratio: Text and interactive elements should have a color contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. Color as indicator: Color should not be the only indicator for interactive elements.

What colors to avoid for accessibility?

Avoid red and black combinations. People who cannot detect red will confuse red and black, so the item will not be legible. Avoid red and green combinations. Approximately 5% of people cannot distinguish between red and green.

How does color and contrast affect accessibility?

Color contrast impacts the readability of your content on the web and in print. It is especially important for users who are low vision or for users who are colorblind. Good color contrast means all users can see your content no matter the device they're using or the lighting of their surroundings.

What is a 4 5 1 contrast ratio?

The 4.5:1 ratio is used in this provision to account for the loss in contrast that results from moderately low visual acuity, congenital or acquired color deficiencies, or the loss of contrast sensitivity that typically accompanies aging.