Luminance contrast calculator
Enter the light reflectance value of each surface. The calculator gives the Bowman-Sapolinski contrast, shows a swatch of the pair, and tests it against the 30%, 45% or 60% the scenario needs.
What it checks
Every table checked against NCC 2025 or the Standard it applies, and the receipt names the one each figure was read from. No model in the loop: the same inputs always give the same result.
Open the calculatorYou enter
- Light reflectance value of each surface
- Required contrast: 30% general, 45% or 60% for tactile indicators, or your own figure
It reads from
- AS 1428.1:2021 Appendix B (Bowman-Sapolinski)
- AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009 for tactile indicators
Background: Luminance contrast guide
Questions
What luminance contrast does AS 1428.1 require?
A minimum of 30% between a door frame or leaf and the wall, and between a stair nosing strip and the tread. Tactile ground surface indicators need 30%, 45% or 60% depending on their type.
How is luminance contrast calculated?
With the Bowman-Sapolinski equation in AS 1428.1 Appendix B, from the light reflectance values of the two surfaces. The calculator applies it and shows the working.
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