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
AaCharcoal on ≈ CementLc 45 · large textWCAG 2 · 6.0 : 1 · AA
AaPaper on ≈ CementLc 54 · large textWCAG 2 · 2.7 : 1 · fails
Aa≈ Cement on PaperLc 49 · large textWCAG 2 · 2.7 : 1 · fails
Avoid
Aa≈ Cement on CharcoalLc 43 · display sizesWCAG 2 · 6.0 : 1 · AA
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.