- Success Criterion 1.4.3
- Conformance level AA
Text on a Gradient Background Dropping Below Contrast Ratio
1.4.3 — Contrast (Minimum)
Scenario
Setting
A ride-hailing app's trip booking screen
What’s wrong
Text on gradients where part of the string falls below ratio.
Example
Picture a ride-hailing app's trip booking screen: text on gradients where part of the string falls below ratio.
Why it matters
Low-vision and older readers, plus anyone viewing a dim or sunlit screen. On a ride-hailing app's trip booking screen, this barrier means they can't read the text against its background.
How to test
Measure the lowest-contrast point of text sitting on a gradient background: if any part of the string falls below the ratio, it fails.
How to fix
The text must meet at least 4.5:1 contrast (3:1 for large text) against its actual background in every state (default, hover, focus, selected).
Outcome
Corrected, a ride-hailing app's trip booking screen now lets a visitor see the control's boundary and current state.
Who is affected
Low-vision and older readers, plus anyone viewing a dim or sunlit screen.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
Related scenarios
- Text Color Set Without a Matching Background Color
- Text Placed Directly Over a Photo With No Solid Backing
- Body Text Contrast That Falls Below the 4.5:1 Minimum
- Large Heading Text That Still Falls Below 3:1 Contrast
- Placeholder Text With Contrast Too Low to Read Easily
- Semi-Transparent Text That Fails the Contrast Minimum