Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio is the difference in brightness between the brightest white and the darkest black a screen can show, written as a ratio such as 1000:1.
On this page 3 sections
How it works
A screen shows its brightest white and its darkest black at different levels. Dividing the white level by the black level gives the contrast ratio. A figure of 3000:1 means the white is three thousand times brighter than the black.
What the numbers mean
- A higher ratio means the darkest areas look deeper and the picture has more depth.
- A lower ratio makes blacks look greyish, especially in a dark room.
- Static contrast is measured on one frame. Dynamic contrast is measured by comparing the brightest and darkest moments over time, so its figure is far larger and less meaningful.
What it does not promise
The number is a measurement under set conditions, and brands usually state it without showing the method. Room lighting changes how deep a screen looks in daily use. Contrast ratio also says nothing about colour accuracy or sharpness. Panel types differ in their typical ratio: VA panels usually sit higher than IPS panels, while OLED screens can switch pixels fully off, so their ratio is often written as infinite. Manufacturers may also quote the figure for the panel alone, which is a different measurement from the finished screen.