Contrast Checker
Pin text that fails contrast disappears at thumbnail size. Check any two colours against the WCAG AA and AAA thresholds before you commit to a palette.
Input
Runs in your browserResult
Pick two colours to check them.
What the ratios mean
Contrast ratio runs from 1:1 (identical colours) to 21:1 (black on white). WCAG AA asks for 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text; AAA asks for 7:1 and 4.5:1. Pin headlines are large, so 3:1 is the floor — but thumbnails shrink text, so treat 4.5:1 as the real target.
Why pins fail in the feed
A pin viewed at 236px wide turns a 60px headline into roughly 14px. Contrast that looked acceptable at full size becomes mush. Checking the ratio catches this before publishing.
Fixing a failing pair
Darken the text or lighten the background — nudging lightness by 10% usually clears AA without changing the palette’s character.
How to use Contrast Checker
- Choose the text colour.
- Choose the background.
- Aim for AA at minimum, AAA for small text.
Contrast Checker FAQ
Is contrast a ranking factor?
No, but legibility drives saves, and saves drive reach.
What about text over photos?
Add a scrim or a solid panel. No photo has a guaranteed contrast ratio.
Does this check colour blindness?
It measures luminance contrast, which is the main factor. Pair it with a shape or weight difference for clarity.
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