Accessibility

Contrast Ratio

A measure of the difference in luminance between text and its background. Meeting minimum contrast ratios keeps text readable for low-vision users and in bright conditions.

Why it matters

An interface that excludes people is broken, full stop. Contrast Ratio helps make sure everyone can perceive, understand and use a page, regardless of ability or device. It is the right thing to do and it quietly improves the experience for every user, not just some.

In practice

In practice we build Contrast Ratio in from the start, because retrofitting it is slow and expensive. We test with a keyboard and a screen reader, check it against recognised standards, and treat any barrier as a real bug rather than a nice-to-have.

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Related terms

Keep reading.

Accessibility
WCAG
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are the international standard for making web content accessible, organised into levels A, AA and AAA. Most projects aim for AA as a practical baseline.
View definition
Accessibility
Accessibility
The practice of designing and building sites so that people with disabilities can perceive, understand and operate them. Done well, it also improves usability for everyone, including keyboard and mobile users.
View definition

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