Contrast Test

How to Use the Contrast Test

1. Select Test Pattern

Grayscale Ramp: 16-step gray progression
Black Levels: Near-black differentiation
White Levels: Near-white detail
Checkerboard: Simultaneous contrast evaluation

2. Testing Conditions

Test in dark room for best results
Use fullscreen mode to eliminate distractions
Let display warm up for 30 minutes
Disable adaptive brightness features

3. What to Check

Can you see all 16 gray steps distinctly?
Are the darkest grays visible, not crushed to black?
Do the brightest grays show detail before pure white?
Is there good separation between adjacent steps?

4. Professional Standards

Professional displays should clearly show at least 14 of 16 gray steps. If you can't distinguish the darkest 2-3 steps or lightest 2-3 steps, your monitor may need calibration or has limited contrast capabilities. HDR displays should clearly show all 16 steps even in difficult lighting.

The Importance of Contrast

Contrast Ratio Explained

Contrast Ratio is the difference between the brightest white and the darkest black your monitor can display. A high contrast ratio (like 3000:1 on VA panels) means deep, inky blacks. Low contrast (like 1000:1 on IPS) can make blacks look gray in a dark room.

Dynamic Range

This test checks your monitor's Dynamic Range—its ability to show details in both shadows and highlights simultaneously. If you can't see the difference between the darkest gray squares, your monitor is "crushing blacks," losing shadow detail in movies and games.

Who Needs Contrast Testing?

1. HDR Content Creators

HDR (High Dynamic Range) video editing requires a monitor that can display bright highlights without clipping and deep shadows without crushing. Use this test to verify your monitor's tone mapping and EOTF (Electro-Optical Transfer Function) accuracy.

2. Print Designers

Paper has a much lower contrast ratio than screens. Designers use contrast tests to ensure their on-screen proof doesn't show shadow details that will disappear when printed on ink-absorbing paper.

3. Competitive Gamers

In competitive shooters, seeing an enemy hiding in a dark corner can be the difference between winning and losing. Gamers often use "Black Equalizer" settings to artificially boost shadow visibility, which this test can help you tune.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good contrast ratio?

For IPS panels, 1000:1 is standard. For VA panels, 3000:1 is good. OLEDs have infinite contrast. If your IPS monitor is below 800:1, blacks will look milky gray.

How do I fix crushed blacks?

Check your "Black Level" or "HDMI Black Level" setting. It should match your source (Low/Limited for TV/Console, High/Full for PC). Also, ensure your Gamma setting is correct (usually 2.2).

Why do blacks look gray on my monitor?

This is likely "IPS Glow" or backlight bleed, common in LCD monitors. It's most visible in a dark room. Reducing screen brightness or adding bias lighting behind the monitor can help improve perceived contrast.