ContrastGraded by APCA, the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm, which measures how strongly text stands off its ground the way eyes see it, as lightness contrast (Lc) from 0 to about 106. Lc 60 and up reads as body text, 45 to 60 as large text and headlines, 30 to 45 at display sizes only (a logo, a big headline); under 30, avoid it for text. The same measure picks black or white text everywhere on Chromary. The older WCAG 2 ratio and its grade (AAA, AA, AA large) are shown small under each for anyone working to that standard.
Use
AaPaper on ≈ AshLc 66 · passesWCAG 2 · 3.8 : 1 · AA large
Aa≈ Ash on PaperLc 61 · passesWCAG 2 · 3.8 : 1 · AA large
Avoid
AaCharcoal on ≈ AshLc 33 · display sizesWCAG 2 · 4.3 : 1 · AA large
Aa≈ Ash on CharcoalLc 31 · display sizesWCAG 2 · 4.3 : 1 · AA large
HarmoniesWays to pair this color with others by where they sit on the color wheel: its opposite, shapes of two to four colors spaced around the wheel, its neighbors on either side, then the same hue lighter, darker, warmer, cooler and quieter. Each strip leads with this color. Tap one to open its kit built that way.