Gradient Accessibility Analyzer
Analyze gradients to detect zones where text contrast may be insufficient
Gradient Accessibility Analyzer
Analyze text readability over gradients. Detects danger zones, simulates overlays, and checks WCAG compliance at every point.
Quick Presets
Overlay Simulation
Enable to simulate a semi-transparent layer between the gradient and text — a common technique to improve contrast.
Sample Headline Text
This is body text to test readability across the gradient.
Small text (14px) — needs higher contrast to be readable.
Based on minimum contrast (5.70:1) vs AAA target (7:1)
Contrast Analysis Along Gradient
Tips for Accessible Gradients
- • Avoid placing small text over low-contrast zones
- • Use the overlay simulation above to test fixes
- • Subtle gradients (similar hue, close luminosity) are safest
- • If score < 65, consider adding an overlay or changing the gradient
- • Large text (≥24px or bold ≥18.66px) only needs 3:1 contrast
How it works
How to use this tool in 3 steps
Pick colors — Use the pickers or a quick preset to define your gradient and text color.
Review results — The visual bar and score show where contrast fails. Open the table for per-point detail.
Fix it — Try an overlay, apply the suggested text color, or tweak the gradient until it passes WCAG.
What this tool does
Analyzes contrast at up to 31 points along the gradient, not just at start and end.
Visually highlights areas where contrast drops below WCAG AA and AA Large thresholds.
Test how a semi-transparent overlay (black or white) improves contrast without changing your gradient.
Copy a full report with ratios, WCAG results and CSS ready to paste into your documentation.
Adjust the gradient angle and number of sampling points for more precise analysis.
If your text color fails, automatically suggests white or black based on the worst gradient point.
The problem: contrast varies across the gradient
With a solid background, contrast is constant. But in a gradient, the background color changes at every pixel. This means text that's readable at one end can be illegible at the other. WCAG requires that minimum contrast is met across the entire area where text appears.
WCAG levels and what they mean for gradients
- AAA (7:1) — Highest level. Ideal when your gradient is subtle (same hue, similar luminosity). Recommended for body text.
- AA (4.5:1) — Minimum standard for normal text (<24px). If your gradient has ≥ 4.5:1 at every point, it's accessible.
- AA Large (3:1) — Only valid for large text (≥24px or bold ≥18.66px). If you don't even meet this, the text is unreadable.
4 techniques to fix low-contrast gradients
1. Semi-transparent overlay (most effective)
Add a rgba(0,0,0,0.4) layer between the gradient and text. You can test this directly with the overlay simulator in this tool.
2. Reduce the luminosity range
If your gradient goes from light to dark, bring the luminosity values closer. Example: instead of #FBBF24 → #1E3A8A, try #D97706 → #1E3A8A.
3. Position text only in safe zones
If only one end has low contrast, center the text in the passing zone. The detailed table shows exactly which percentage is safe.
4. Use subtle gradients (same hue)
The safest gradients vary in hue but not luminosity. Try the "Subtle Dark" or "Deep Ocean" preset as a reference.
Score interpretation
Excellent. Min contrast ≥ 7:1 across the entire gradient. Passes AAA.
Acceptable. Likely passes AA but not AAA. Check yellow zones.
Poor. Fails AA at some point. You need an overlay or color changes.