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Access Allways Luminance Contrast Calculator

Welcome to Access Allways’ Luminance Contrast Calculator — your trusted tool for measuring visual contrast between surfaces quickly and accurately. Based on the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, our calculator helps builders, designers, and architects ensure their projects meet essential accessibility requirements.

Why Luminance Contrast Matters

Luminance contrast between adjacent surfaces is crucial for people with vision impairments. Proper contrast helps in wayfinding, improves safety, and supports universal design principles. Our calculator evaluates the Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) of two surfaces to determine whether your colour choices meet the recommended thresholds.

How Our Calculator Works

Simply enter the LRVs of the two surfaces you want to compare, and the calculator will display the luminance contrast percentage along with pass/fail results based on standards for 30%, 45% or 60% luminance contrast.

Check Your Colour Contrast

Enter the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of two colours to check luminance contrast compliance.

Luminance Contrast Calculator with Pass/Fail

Luminance Contrast Calculator (AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009)

This calculator uses the Bowman–Sapolinski Equation as stipulated in AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009.

Formula: 125 × (Y₂ − Y₁) / (Y₁ + Y₂ + 25)

Status Luminance Contrast Typical Application
30% Building elements, such as doorways, toilet seats and integrated Tactile Ground Surface Indicators
45% Building elements, such as Discrete Tactile Ground Surface Indicators
60% Building elements, such as Composite (Two Tone) Tactile Ground Surface Indicators

This Calculator uses the Bowman-Sapolinski Equation as stipulated in AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009

Luminance Contrast Formula = 125 (Y2 – Y1) / (Y1 + Y2 + 25)

Why Choose Access Allways?

Located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, QLD, Access Allways is committed to supporting inclusive design and accessibility in every project. Our expert tools and guidance help you meet compliance easily and confidently.

Start ensuring your project’s accessibility today with Access Allways’ Luminance Contrast Calculator – fast, simple, and free to use.