WCAG 2.1 Success Criteria Reference
Complete reference for all WCAG 2.1 accessibility success criteria. Each criterion includes what it requires, why it matters for ADA compliance, how to audit your site, and specific fixes. Level AA is the US legal standard for ADA website compliance.
Level A — Minimum Baseline (27 criteria)
- 1.1.1: Non-text Content
- 1.2.1: Audio-only and Video-only Prerecorded
- 1.2.2: Captions Prerecorded
- 1.2.3: Audio Description or Media Alternative
- 1.3.1: Info and Relationships
- 1.3.2: Meaningful Sequence
- 1.3.3: Sensory Characteristics
- 1.4.1: Use of Color
- 1.4.2: Audio Control
- 2.1.1: Keyboard
- 2.1.2: No Keyboard Trap
- 2.2.1: Timing Adjustable
- 2.2.2: Pause Stop Hide
- 2.3.1: Three Flashes or Below
- 2.4.1: Bypass Blocks
- 2.4.2: Page Titled
- 2.4.3: Focus Order
- 2.4.4: Link Purpose In Context
- 2.5.3: Label in Name
- 2.5.4: Motion Actuation
- 3.1.1: Language of Page
- 3.2.1: On Focus
- 3.2.2: On Input
- 3.3.1: Error Identification
- 3.3.2: Labels or Instructions
- 4.1.1: Parsing
- 4.1.2: Name Role Value
Level AA — Legal Standard for ADA (23 criteria)
- 1.2.4: Captions Live
- 1.2.5: Audio Description Prerecorded
- 1.3.4: Orientation
- 1.3.5: Identify Input Purpose
- 1.4.3: Contrast Minimum
- 1.4.4: Resize Text
- 1.4.5: Images of Text
- 1.4.10: Reflow
- 1.4.11: Non-text Contrast
- 1.4.12: Text Spacing
- 1.4.13: Content on Hover or Focus
- 2.4.5: Multiple Ways
- 2.4.6: Headings and Labels
- 2.4.7: Focus Visible
- 2.5.1: Pointer Gestures
- 2.5.2: Pointer Cancellation
- 3.1.2: Language of Parts
- 3.2.3: Consistent Navigation
- 3.2.4: Consistent Identification
- 3.3.3: Error Suggestion
- 3.3.4: Error Prevention Legal Financial Data
- 4.1.3: Status Messages
Note: WCAG 2.1 Level AA (which includes all Level A criteria) is the standard referenced in US Department of Justice guidance and ADA Title III lawsuits. This guide is informational — consult an accessibility attorney for legal compliance advice.