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Reference

Every WCAG success criterion, in plain English

All 86 active criteria of WCAG 2.2 (plus the retired 4.1.1), each with its level, the version that introduced it, who it helps, and how to meet it.

ADA compliance guide
WCAG success criteria are the individual, testable requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Each has a number (like 1.4.3 Contrast), a conformance level (A, AA or AAA) and belongs to one of four principles. A Level AA conformance claim means passing all Level A and AA criteria - 50 in WCAG 2.1, 55 in WCAG 2.2. Use the filters to see exactly which criteria your target level and version require.

Browse the criteria

Showing 87 of 87 success criteria

#Success criterionLevelSincePrinciple
1.1.1Non-text ContentA2.0Perceivable
1.2.1Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)A2.0Perceivable
1.2.2Captions (Prerecorded)A2.0Perceivable
1.2.3Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)A2.0Perceivable
1.2.4Captions (Live)AA2.0Perceivable
1.2.5Audio Description (Prerecorded)AA2.0Perceivable
1.2.6Sign Language (Prerecorded)AAA2.0Perceivable
1.2.7Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded)AAA2.0Perceivable
1.2.8Media Alternative (Prerecorded)AAA2.0Perceivable
1.2.9Audio-only (Live)AAA2.0Perceivable
1.3.1Info and RelationshipsA2.0Perceivable
1.3.2Meaningful SequenceA2.0Perceivable
1.3.3Sensory CharacteristicsA2.0Perceivable
1.3.4OrientationAA2.1Perceivable
1.3.5Identify Input PurposeAA2.1Perceivable
1.3.6Identify PurposeAAA2.1Perceivable
1.4.1Use of ColorA2.0Perceivable
1.4.2Audio ControlA2.0Perceivable
1.4.3Contrast (Minimum)AA2.0Perceivable
1.4.4Resize TextAA2.0Perceivable
1.4.5Images of TextAA2.0Perceivable
1.4.6Contrast (Enhanced)AAA2.0Perceivable
1.4.7Low or No Background AudioAAA2.0Perceivable
1.4.8Visual PresentationAAA2.0Perceivable
1.4.9Images of Text (No Exception)AAA2.0Perceivable
1.4.10ReflowAA2.1Perceivable
1.4.11Non-text ContrastAA2.1Perceivable
1.4.12Text SpacingAA2.1Perceivable
1.4.13Content on Hover or FocusAA2.1Perceivable
2.1.1KeyboardA2.0Operable
2.1.2No Keyboard TrapA2.0Operable
2.1.3Keyboard (No Exception)AAA2.0Operable
2.1.4Character Key ShortcutsA2.1Operable
2.2.1Timing AdjustableA2.0Operable
2.2.2Pause, Stop, HideA2.0Operable
2.2.3No TimingAAA2.0Operable
2.2.4InterruptionsAAA2.0Operable
2.2.5Re-authenticatingAAA2.0Operable
2.2.6TimeoutsAAA2.1Operable
2.3.1Three Flashes or Below ThresholdA2.0Operable
2.3.2Three FlashesAAA2.0Operable
2.3.3Animation from InteractionsAAA2.1Operable
2.4.1Bypass BlocksA2.0Operable
2.4.2Page TitledA2.0Operable
2.4.3Focus OrderA2.0Operable
2.4.4Link Purpose (In Context)A2.0Operable
2.4.5Multiple WaysAA2.0Operable
2.4.6Headings and LabelsAA2.0Operable
2.4.7Focus VisibleAA2.0Operable
2.4.8LocationAAA2.0Operable
2.4.9Link Purpose (Link Only)AAA2.0Operable
2.4.10Section HeadingsAAA2.0Operable
2.4.11Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)AA2.2Operable
2.4.12Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced)AAA2.2Operable
2.4.13Focus AppearanceAAA2.2Operable
2.5.1Pointer GesturesA2.1Operable
2.5.2Pointer CancellationA2.1Operable
2.5.3Label in NameA2.1Operable
2.5.4Motion ActuationA2.1Operable
2.5.5Target Size (Enhanced)AAA2.1Operable
2.5.6Concurrent Input MechanismsAAA2.1Operable
2.5.7Dragging MovementsAA2.2Operable
2.5.8Target Size (Minimum)AA2.2Operable
3.1.1Language of PageA2.0Understandable
3.1.2Language of PartsAA2.0Understandable
3.1.3Unusual WordsAAA2.0Understandable
3.1.4AbbreviationsAAA2.0Understandable
3.1.5Reading LevelAAA2.0Understandable
3.1.6PronunciationAAA2.0Understandable
3.2.1On FocusA2.0Understandable
3.2.2On InputA2.0Understandable
3.2.3Consistent NavigationAA2.0Understandable
3.2.4Consistent IdentificationAA2.0Understandable
3.2.5Change on RequestAAA2.0Understandable
3.2.6Consistent HelpA2.2Understandable
3.3.1Error IdentificationA2.0Understandable
3.3.2Labels or InstructionsA2.0Understandable
3.3.3Error SuggestionAA2.0Understandable
3.3.4Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data)AA2.0Understandable
3.3.5HelpAAA2.0Understandable
3.3.6Error Prevention (All)AAA2.0Understandable
3.3.7Redundant EntryA2.2Understandable
3.3.8Accessible Authentication (Minimum)AA2.2Understandable
3.3.9Accessible Authentication (Enhanced)AAA2.2Understandable
4.1.1Parsing (Obsolete)removed2.0Robust
4.1.2Name, Role, ValueA2.0Robust
4.1.3Status MessagesAA2.1Robust

How to read the levels

Levels are cumulative. Level AA conformance requires passing every Level A criterion too, and AAA requires everything. The level attached to each criterion tells you the tier at which it becomes mandatory - so if your target is the legally common WCAG Level AA, filter to Level A plus Level AA and that is your test plan.

Versions are backwards compatible. A criterion marked 2.0 exists in every version; one marked 2.2 only counts if you claim WCAG 2.2. New regulation still largely references WCAG 2.1, but building to 2.2 covers both.

Frequently asked questions

How many success criteria does WCAG have?

WCAG 2.0 has 61, WCAG 2.1 has 78 and WCAG 2.2 has 86 active criteria (4.1.1 Parsing was removed in 2.2).

How many criteria do I need for Level AA?

All Level A plus all Level AA criteria: 50 in WCAG 2.1, 55 in WCAG 2.2.

What are the four principles?

Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust - POUR. Every success criterion belongs to one of them.

Are the W3C "Understanding" documents mandatory?

No. Only the success criteria themselves are normative; Understanding and Techniques documents explain intent and give example ways to conform.

Sources

Last updated . Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.

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