Contrast (Minimum)

About

Version:	WCAG 2.0 and up
Number:	1.4.3
Level:	AA
Applicability:	Text Images of Text
Requirement:	The visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, except for the following: View exceptions Large Text Large-scale text and images of large-scale text have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1; Incidental Text or images of text that are part of an inactive user interface component, that are pure decoration, that are not visible to anyone, or that are part of a picture that contains significant other visual content, have no contrast requirement. Logotypes Text that is part of a logo or brand name has no contrast requirement.
Guidance:	Understanding Success Criterion 1.4.3 How to meet Success Criterion 1.4.3
Techniques:	G18: Ensuring that a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 exists between text (and images of text) and background behind the text G145: Ensuring that a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 exists between text (and images of text) and background behind the text G148: Not specifying background color, not specifying text color, and not using technology features that change those defaults G174: Providing a control with a sufficient contrast ratio that allows users to switch to a presentation that uses sufficient contrast

Purpose

The purpose of this success criterion is to ensure that users with moderately low vision (approximately 20/40) can discern the text from its background.

How to Meet

Authors must ensure that the contrast ratio between text (including images of text) and backgrounds is at least 4.5:1.

Additional Information

The following knowledge base pages provide more information about how to address this success criterion for publishing content: