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10. Text Contrast

Requirement

Text has good contrast with background colors.

Evaluation Process

Most text contrast issues will be flagged in 1. Automated Test. If there were any issues as part of the automated test, that information may be noted in the Text Contrast section. During testing, look for text that appears on top of images, when a background is semi-transparent, or any other unusual combinations of text and color.

There are multiple tools for checking the contrast between any two specified colors.

Stanford color contrast tool
The Stanford Color contrast tool is one of many different tools for checking the color contrast between two colors.

Scoring Guide

  • Pass: There are no contrast issues on the site.
  • Partial Fail: There are very few contrast issues, and all of them are in non-critical areas (like a disclaimer in the footer).
  • Fail: There are multiple contrast issues or issues exist in critical areas.
  • Not Applicable / Unknown: These should not be used. 

More Information

Relevant WCAG Information

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