Color contrast checker
Pick two paint colors and see how much they contrast. Search a paint by name, paste a hex, or use the picker for each. You get the LRV contrast, a live trim-on-wall preview, and a plain verdict — whether the trim reads crisp, hits ADA signage spec, or disappears into the wall.
How paint contrast actually works
Two colors contrast when their LRV — light reflectance value, the percentage of light a paint bounces back — is far apart. This checker takes the LRV of each color and reports the difference as a percentage. The bigger the gap, the more the second color separates from the first. It's the same math behind the federal ADA signage rule and the designer rule of thumb for trim against wall.
What the number means
- 70%+ — ADA-compliant, high contrast. The federal standard for signage is 70% LRV contrast between background and characters. Trim at this level reads crisp and bold.
- 30–69% — clear, designed contrast. Trim reads cleanly against the wall under raking light. The classic white-trim-on-color look lives here.
- 15–29% — soft, color-drenched. The trim is present but quiet — intentional for a tonal, enveloping room.
- Under 15% — near-tonal. The trim all but disappears into the wall. Great on purpose (color-drenching), a mistake by accident.
When to use it
- Trim against wall. Aim for 30+ so moldings, baseboards, and casings read crisp.
- Ceiling over wall. A white ceiling 15+ above the wall LRV makes the room read taller.
- Accent wall or cabinets. Check the gap before committing so the accent actually pops.
- ADA signage. Commercial wayfinding has to clear 70% — confirm it here first.
FAQ
Most designers want at least 30% LRV contrast between wall and trim so the trim reads crisp. For a bold, traditional look go higher; for a soft, color-drenched room go lower.
No. WCAG uses a contrast ratio for on-screen text legibility. This tool uses LRV contrast, the percentage difference paint pros and the ADA signage standard use for physical surfaces.
Screens are backlit and exaggerate separation. On a real wall, lighting and sheen change how the gap reads — always test both colors together on the actual wall before buying.