Do I need to meet AAA or AA color contrast requirements?
Summary
Most websites are required to meet AA color contrast requirements, while AAA standards are more stringent and typically optional unless specifically required.
Environment / Applicability
- Product / Feature: Siteimprove Platform — Accessibility module (Accessibility testing and reporting)
- Version / Platform: Applies to the current Siteimprove platform across all supported browsers and environments.
- Audience: Content authors, Web developers, Designers, Accessibility specialists, Digital governance and compliance teams
- Geographic / Language considerations: N/A
Question
What is the difference between AA and AAA color contrast requirements?
Answer
Most sites are required to meet the AA contrast rule but are not necessarily required to meet the AAA one.
Additional Details
Mistaking the AAA contrast rule for the AA contrast rule.
Explanation: The AAA rule for this is more stringent than the AA rule. Most sites are required to meet the AA contrast rule but are not necessarily required to meet the AAA one.
Fix: Consider whether your organizational goals and legal requirements mean that your site must comply with the AAA standards. If you don't need to meet the AAA standards, you can disregard the AAA rule. You can either set a site target or dismiss it as a “can’t fix.” You should not dismiss it as a “false positive” in this situation.
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