Ensuring Color Contrast

Use appropriate color contrast and font sizes. Contrast is the difference between text color and background color.

  • Use online contrast checker tools to test combinations.
  • Minimum contrast ratios:
    • 4.5:1 for normal text
    • 3:1 for large text (18pt+ or 14pt+ bold)

This includes the use of Detroit Mercy's color palette combinations and neutral colors. Please visit Detroit Mercy Visual Identity to view our color combination examples.

Recommended

Black text on a white background

Contrast Ratio: 21:1

Excellent readability

White text on a black background

Contrast Ratio: ∼7:1

Maintains readability

White text on a University blue background

Contrast Ratio:  12.9:1

Meets WCAG Standards

White text on a University red background

Contrast Ratio:  7.58:1

Meets WCAG Standards

Printer-friendly