WebAIM Contrast Checker
WebAIM Contrast Checker: A free web checker for text and UI contrast, with a basic API and bookmarklet. Ranked #1 of 23 in Color Contrast Checker Software by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams needing a free checker and basic API.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTeams needing a free checker and basic API
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Facts checked4 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Checks text and graphical/UI contrast with WCAG AA and AAA results
- Color picker, alpha adjustment, and lightness sliders aid color exploration
- Basic API and bookmarklet extend checking beyond the main web tool
Where it doesn't
- Evaluates one foreground/background color pair at a time
- Published WCAG coverage is 2.0 and 2.1, not 2.2
- API is described as basic rather than a broader integration suite
Our verdict on WebAIM Contrast Checker
WebAIM Contrast Checker is a browser-based tool for evaluating foreground and background color contrast. It suits designers, developers, and accessibility teams who need to assess text and interface colors without paying for a checker. Enter hexadecimal values or select colors with the color picker; the tool reports a contrast ratio and pass/fail results for normal and large text, plus WCAG AA results for graphical objects and UI components. Its focus is practical contrast evaluation rather than a broader accessibility workflow.
The checker combines text and non-text checks in one interface. Text results show WCAG AA and AAA outcomes for normal and large text, while graphical objects and UI components are evaluated against WCAG AA criteria. Alpha adjustment and lightness sliders let users explore how color changes affect contrast. A bookmarklet offers a way to test colors from content on screen, and the basic API returns contrast ratios and pass/fail states for a permalink. These tools make it useful for teams that want both manual checks and a modest route to incorporate contrast results elsewhere.
The published coverage is WCAG 2.0 for text criteria and 2.1 for non-text criteria; teams whose requirements specifically call for WCAG 2.2 coverage should choose a checker that states that support. The tool evaluates one foreground/background pair at a time, so checking many combinations means repeating the process rather than submitting a batch. It is free, which makes it a straightforward fit for solo practitioners and teams of different sizes needing focused contrast checks. Choose it for accessible color review and simple API access; look elsewhere if batch evaluation or broader standards coverage is central to the workflow.
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WebAIM Contrast Checker pricing
WebAIM Contrast Checker fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| WCAG standards | Not verified |
| Contrast modes | Text and graphics |
| Contrast suggestions | Yes |
| Design integrations | Not verified |
| Platforms | web, api |
| Batch color-pair checks | No |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | webaim.org |
| Facts checked | 4 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to WebAIM Contrast Checker
- Acquia Color Contrast Checker (formerly Monsido Contrast Checker)A free web checker for reviewing color pairs against WCAG contrast thresholds.9.0
- Silktide Color Contrast CheckerA free Chrome extension for checking page text and interface contrast against WCAG.8.7
- Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA)A free desktop checker for precise, manual analysis of selected color pairs.8.5
See all WebAIM Contrast Checker alternatives →
WebAIM Contrast Checker vs the competition
- WebAIM Contrast Checker vs Acquia Color Contrast Checker (formerly Monsido Contrast Checker)
- WebAIM Contrast Checker vs Silktide Color Contrast Checker
- WebAIM Contrast Checker vs Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA)
- WebAIM Contrast Checker vs Figma
- WebAIM Contrast Checker vs Color Contrast
- WebAIM Contrast Checker vs Colors on the Web Contrast Checker
Compare WebAIM Contrast Checker with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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