Readability Color Checker
Test text readability against any background beyond just WCAG ratios. Get a full readability profile — contrast grade, recommended use, and specific advice for accessibility and screen quality.
Large heading preview
Normal body text: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Sample at 16px to check readability at typical body size.
Small text: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Sample at 12px to check readability at caption size.
14.32
Contrast Score
Excellent
What Is Text Readability?
Text readability is the practical ability of users to read text comfortably. It depends primarily on contrast, but also on font size, font weight, font family, letter spacing and the viewing device. Readability is broader than WCAG compliance — text can technically pass AA (4.5:1) but still feel difficult on a bright mobile screen.
The Readability Scale
- 21:1 — Maximum: Black on white. Ideal for print and confident reading.
- 15:1+ — Excellent: Ideal for all use cases, all devices, all users.
- 10:1 – 15:1 — Very good: Excellent for body text and interactive elements.
- 7:1 – 10:1 — Good: AAA-level — safe for all text.
- 4.5:1 – 7:1 — Adequate: AA-level — OK for body text, use with care on mobile.
- 3:1 – 4.5:1 — Poor: Only OK for large text (headings).
- 1:1 – 3:1 — Failing: Unreadable for many users. Do not use.