Pure Black (#000000)
Your monitor's black level determines contrast ratio.
In a dark room, you should see uniformly dark screen.
Any visible glow indicates limited black levels (IPS glow, backlight bleed).
How to Use This Test
Testing Environment
- 1. Perform this test in a dark or dimly lit room
- 2. Let your monitor warm up for 15-30 minutes
- 3. Set brightness and contrast to your normal settings
- 4. Use fullscreen mode for accurate results
What to Look For
- Pure Black: Check for backlight bleed, IPS glow
- Shadow Detail: Count visible gray levels
- Gradient: Look for banding (visible steps)
- Uniformity: Check for dark or bright spots
Keyboard Shortcuts
Understanding Contrast Ratio
Typical Contrast Ratios by Panel Type
Why Contrast Matters
- • Image Depth: Higher contrast creates more vivid, lifelike images with better separation between light and dark elements.
- • Dark Scenes: Good contrast is essential for movies and games with dark environments.
- • HDR Performance: Contrast ratio directly impacts HDR quality and perceived brightness.
- • Text Readability: Higher contrast makes text sharper and reduces eye strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good contrast ratio for a monitor?
For LCD monitors, 1000:1 is typical for IPS and TN panels, while VA panels achieve 3000:1 to 5000:1. OLED monitors have effectively infinite contrast ratio due to perfect blacks. Higher contrast ratios produce more vivid images with deeper blacks.
How do I test my monitor's contrast ratio?
Use our contrast test patterns in a dark room. Check if you can see all shadow detail levels (especially near-black shades). Test the black level uniformity and compare white brightness to black levels. A good contrast ratio means deep blacks with bright whites.
Why can't I see near-black shades on my monitor?
This is often caused by incorrect brightness or contrast settings. Try lowering your brightness setting or adjusting the black level/gamma settings in your monitor's OSD. Also check your GPU's color settings for limited vs full RGB range.
