Resource guide
1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced)
Text must meet a higher contrast ratio of at least 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text.
By Calling All Minds·Last updated April 2026
Success criterion
Conformance level
Enhanced accessibility — beyond the legal minimum.
What it means
This is the enhanced version of the minimum contrast requirement at Level AA (1.4.3). The ratios are: 7:1 for normal-sized text, and 4.5:1 for large text (18pt and above, or 14pt bold and above).
These higher ratios benefit people with more severe vision impairments and provide a more comfortable reading experience for everyone, particularly in challenging conditions such as bright sunlight or screen glare.
In practice
Use the same tools as for 1.4.3, but target 7:1 for body text. High-contrast combinations like near-black on white or white on very dark backgrounds typically pass comfortably.
If your design system uses a mid-range grey for body text, it may pass 4.5:1 but not 7:1. Consider darkening it.
Common failures
- Body text that achieves 4.5:1 but not 7:1
- Mid-grey text on white background that is widely used in modern flat design
AXS Audit
AXS Audit checks your site against 1.4.6 and flags issues your team can act on straight away. It covers criteria that automated scanners often miss.